Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 26 October 2001 — Page 7

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2001

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A7

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YOUTH

Continued from A6

Contact: African American Images (AAI), Inc., 1909 W. 95th. Chicago, 111. 60643, (773) 4450322. In his book, Kunjufu addresses: Black male/female relationship solutions, techniques for rearing our children, particularly the Black male child, economic strategies for the Black community, and spiritual motivation. He has written more than 20 books dealing with these and other critical issues. Kunjufu can be contacted on the Web at: http:// (vww.africanamericanimages.com/ ;{« »)( $ $ $ National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering Inc. (NACME) George Campbell, President/ CEO Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2212 New York NY 10118-2299 (212) 279-2626 http://www.nacme.org/ The information technology (IT) revolution, especially spurred by the development of the Internet, has dramatically transformed society. Within three years, for instance, it is said that in the United States, the volume of Internet traffic will grow by more than ten-fold. In 1997, according to industry research and U.S. census data, there were approximately 52 million Internet users. Within two years, (hat number had grown to approximately 100 million internet users. It is estimated that by 2004, that number will Increase to 177 million. But with the rapid growth in the development and use of Information technology have come growing divisions characterized by race and income. African Americans and other people of color, particularly those who are lower-income, are lagging greatly behind in taking advantage of this IT explosion, and becoming lost in what has been defined as the “digital 'tlivide.” Further, Internet traffic is doubling every three months, and e-commerce — the process of purchasing goods electronically via the Internet — has boomed from zero to a- halftrillion dollars, surpassing telecommunications and the airline industry. The downside of this growth is the digital divide, where communities of color overall have not participated in this activity. That’s what NACME (National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering Inc.) is trying to change. Since 1974, NACME has provided leadership and support of a national effort to increase African American, American Indian and Latino representation in engineering and technology, and math- and science-based careers. NACME has sought a dramatic expansion of the pool of Engineers from communities of color — “some 14,000 more per year” — is needed, says Executive Director George Campbell. He is calling for private and public-sector investments of $300 million over the next five years to ensure that this expansion happens. He says, “The good news is “ that computer penetration is increasing in our communities, but the bad news is that the gap continues to widen.” He $ $ $ ’k The Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families Geoffrey Canada, President/ CEO 2770 Broadway New York, N.Y. 10025 (212) 866-0700 Web Site: www.rheedlen.org The Rheedlen Centers concentrate many of their activities in a 24-block region of Central Harlem called the Harlem Children’s Zone. Their collective mission commits to two main tenets: forging a “critical mass" of engaged, effective families, and attempting “early and progressive intervention" in a

child's development. By organizing community members around activities of common interest — educational and social stimulation and development, effective parenting and sound health care v arious Rheedlen programs help children grow into responsible and fulfilled members of the community. *

The Valley Inc. John Bess, founder and CEO 1047 Amsterdam Avenue New York, N.Y. 10025 Phone: (212) 222-2110 Web Site: wvv vv.v alleynyc.org The Valley Inc., is a comprehensive youth agency whose mission is to empower young people, ages 6 to 24. to become independent, self-sufficient and responsible adults. Annually.

more than 1.3(M) youth participate in the agency's leadership programs, which include racial harmony and conflict resolution seminars, academic workshops, peer outreach, and teen initiative and ambassador programs. Additionally. The Valley provides cultural and recreational activities, college prep classes, and computer literacy programs to more than 2.250 young people.

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