Connecting Communities: Common and T-Mobile Unite to Bridge the Digital Divide in the Bronx
Common, the Grammy-award-winning rapper, actor, and activist, joined forces with T-Mobile to make a meaningful impact on the digital landscape in the Bronx. On a sunny Tuesday, Sept. 24, the duo made a cameo appearance at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in Soundview to offer free internet to its members. The initiative aimed to address the pressing issue of the digital divide that plagues many communities, especially those in high-poverty areas like the Bronx.
Empowering Students with Access to Technology
Imagine a world without internet access, where students are forced to spend hours in libraries searching for information through outdated systems. This reality is not far-fetched for many New York City public school students who lack the broadband connection necessary for modern curriculums. In response to this pressing need, T-Mobile launched Project 10 Million in 2020, a groundbreaking initiative designed to connect 10 million eligible K-12 students across the country to a reliable internet connection.
Through Project 10 Million, students receive 100GB of data per year for five years, along with free mobile hotspots and access to low-cost laptops and tablets. Eligibility criteria include individuals receiving Medicaid, foster youth, and those in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Since its inception, the program has successfully connected six million students and provided over $6 billion worth of products and devices to bridge the digital gap.
Empowering Communities through Connectivity
Brigitta Witt, vice president of social impact and sustainability for T-Mobile, expressed a firm commitment to addressing the digital disparity and ensuring that all students have access to essential resources. “We are not going to stop until the problem is fixed,” Witt affirmed, highlighting the company’s dedication to empowering communities through connectivity.
During the event at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, Witt announced that each child’s household would receive 200GB of free internet, equivalent to approximately 650 hours of connectivity. To amplify this message of empowerment, T-Mobile enlisted the support of Common, who captivated the audience with his inspiring words and musical talents.
Celebrating Success and Community Resilience
As Common entered the gymnasium at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, he was greeted by enthusiastic cheers and a vibrant dance performance by the K-Company, a teenage dance group. The rapper emphasized the value of each student and the importance of access to technology, declaring, “You deserve access to information, to do your work, and to pursue your dreams.”
Despite the challenges posed by the digital divide, the event served as a celebration of success and community resilience. Common’s freestyle performance, accompanied by the rhythmic stomping of feet and infectious energy in the room, underscored the power of unity and collective action in overcoming obstacles.
Empowering Youth through Education and Mentorship
The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, founded in 1915, has a rich history of providing educational and developmental programs for children ages six through 18. The recent unveiling of the club’s state-of-the-art renovations marked a significant milestone in its commitment to empowering youth through education and mentorship.
Program director Alberto Rodriguez highlighted the club’s unique offerings, including the only ice-skating rink in the Bronx, underscoring the organization’s dedication to providing diverse opportunities for its members. Executive director Daniel Quintero, a former club member himself, shared his personal connection to the organization and emphasized the transformative impact it had on his life.
Building a Brighter Future for Bronx Youth
As Common engaged with the students at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, he emphasized the importance of positive adult role models and the value of education in shaping young minds. Reflecting on his own upbringing and the influence of his mother, an educator, Common underscored the pivotal role that mentorship plays in guiding youth towards success.
The club’s diverse range of programs, from sports clubs to culinary arts, offers a holistic approach to youth development and fosters a sense of community among its members. Eight-year-old member Jeremy Medina expressed his enthusiasm for the club, describing it as a fun and welcoming place to make new friends and explore new interests.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Common, T-Mobile, and the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club exemplifies the power of partnership in bridging the digital divide and empowering communities through connectivity. By providing essential resources and mentorship opportunities, these organizations are paving the way for a brighter future for Bronx youth and ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed.
