Alliance for Digital Equality Hosts Digital Empowerment Summit at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte

Online, September 13, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) announced today that Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte will host its 2010 Digital Empowerment Summit themed, "Broadband: The JET Agenda: Jobs, Education and Technology," on October 1, 2010.

Several powerful voices will be heard during Charlotte's first broadband summit. Aneesh Chopra, federal chief technology officer of the United States, has been invited to address the summit and actor, author and activist Hill Harper is the event's keynote speaker. In addition, CNN's Chief Business Correspondent, Ali Velshi and CNN 's Technology Contributor, Mario Armstrong will also participate, as well as actor, Malik Yoba.

This free summit is open to the public and will convene a mix of national, regional and local elected officials, thought leaders and media representatives to discuss the impact that universal broadband access can have on access to education, jobs and wealth creation opportunities, particularly for the millions of un-served and underserved Americans.

"The Alliance for Digital Equality is delighted to bring this summit to Charlotte," said Julius H. Hollis, chairman and founder of ADE. "Broadband is the bridge that provides a unique opportunity for millions of Americans to achieve economic equality, and as we now work to implement the Federal Communication Commission's National Broadband Plan - designed to deliver access to every American - it is vital that we have these important conversations and share necessary information to ensure that these Americans adopt this great tool once they have access."

Confirmed participants and panelists include North Carolina's 1st District Congressman G.K. Butterfield; Henry McKoy, assistant secretary of Community Development, North Carolina Department of Commerce; Ronald L. Carter, president, Johnson C. Smith University; Tony Hayes, CEO, North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative; Rep. Kelly Alexander, District 107, North Carolina General Assembly; Nicol Turner-Lee, vice president and director of Media and Technology Institute, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies; Mayor Terry Bellamy, city of Asheville; Juan Pablo Giometti, CEO, National Hispanic Entrepreneurs Organization Inc.; Andrea Harris, president, North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development; and Susan Johnson, chief information officer at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.