COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting the Black community. So is the digital divide — and it’s not a coincidence

Those of us who are able to work from home are only able to do so because we have three things — a working computer, broadband access and the technical skills needed to use our devices. But the people who live on the other side of the digital divide — most of whom are people of color, many of whom are people in their 40s, 50s and 60s — can’t work from home. The digital divide has always disproportionately impacted the same communities that have always been left behind in the US. That’s not new. But what we’re also seeing now is that those of us with access to technology can be safe(r) and earn a livelihood. Those without access cannot. And it’s not a mistake or a coincidence that they are largely Black and Brown. We can all do something to make a difference so that we can become a more equal society on the other side of this. Here are some ideas:

• Donate to nonprofits focused on bridging the digital divide for communities of color.
• Consider donating gently used (i.e. something you would still be happy to use) laptops to nonprofits that are providing devices to communities in need.
• Write to your elected representatives and local government officials and urge them to support funding for digital inclusion.
• Talk to your friends about these issues. Bring up the fact that there are millions of people in our country who are forced to put their lives at risk because they can’t work from home.

[Elizabeth Lindsey is CEO of Byte Back]