The Black Digital Elite : African American Leaders of the Information Revolution

Most discussions of the digital divide focus on the gap between African Americans and others when it comes to using, and benefiting from, the technological and business opportunities of the information age. Although many African Americans are locked out of the information revolution, others are an integral part of its development and progress. Barber profiles 26 of those leaders here, engagingly and informatively blending biography with insight and analysis. Most discussions of the digital divide focus on the gap between African Americans and others when it comes to using, and benefiting from, the technological and business opportunities of the information age. Although many African Americans are locked out of the information revolution, others are an integral part of its development and progress. Barber profiles 26 of them here, engagingly and informatively blending biography with insight and analysis. Documenting history as it is being made, this book features achievers in all fields of relevant endeavor, including scientists, business leaders, power brokers, and community leaders. Among them are Robert Johnson, CEO of Black Entertainment Television; Richard Parsons, CEO of AOL Time-Warner; congressmen and other policymakers in Washington, D.C.; and men and women who are working to bridge the digital divide in satellite radio, web-based portals, and on the ground with IT workshops. This book is not just about business success or technological progress. The African American digerati are solving one of the great social challenges of the 21st century: creating a black community that is prosperous in a society that has changed from being a land-based industrial society to a cyberspace-based information society. Most Discussions Of The Digital Divide Focus On The Gap Between African Americans And Others When It Comes To Using, And Benefiting From, The Technological And Business Opportunities Of The Information Age. Although Many African Americans Are Locked Out Of The Information Revolution, Others Are An Integral Part Of Its Development And Progress. Barber Profiles 26 Of Those Leaders Here, Engagingly And Informatively Blending Biography With Insight And Analysis. Documenting History As It Is Being Made, This Book Features Achievers In All Fields Of Relevant Endeavor, Including Scientists, Business Leaders, Power Brokers, And Community Leaders. Among Them Are Robert Johnson, Ceo Of Black Entertainment Television; Richard Parsons, Ceo Of Aol Time-warner; Congressmen And Other Policymakers In Washington, D.c.; And Men And Women Who Are Working To Bridge The Digital Divide In Satellite Radio, Web-based Portals, And On The Ground With It Workshops. But This Book Is Not Just About Business Success Or Technological Progress. The African American Digerali Are Solving One Of The Great Social Challenges Of The 21st Century: Creating A Black Community That Is Prosperous In A Society That Has Changed From Being A Land-based Industrial Society To A Cyberspace-based Information Society.--jacket. Scientists And Innovators -- Roy L. Clay, Sr. -- Dr. Clarence A. Ellis -- Dr. Mark Dean -- Dr. Phillip Emeagwali -- Policy Makers And Power Brokers -- Ronald H. Brown -- Larry Irving -- Bobby L. Rush -- Edolphus Towns -- Albert R. Wynn -- William E. Kennard -- Michael K. Powell -- Reverand Jesse L. Jackson, Sr -educators And Professionals -- Dr. John B. Slaughter -- Lebaron Woodyard -- Dr. Dhyana Ziegler -- Cyber Community Developers -- Dr. Alan Shaw -- Dr. Jabari Simama -- Dr. Abdul Alkalimat -- Masters Of The Worldwide Web -- Art Mcgee -- E. David Ellington -- Don Rojas -- Kenn Turner -- Chief Executive Officers, Entrepreneurs, And Big Money Makers -- Richard D. Parsons -- John W. Thompson -- Robert L. Johnson -- Noah A. Samara. John T. Barber. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.