This Black History Month, let’s celebrate a few African Americans who had an incredible impact on science and technology, both yesterday and today! Mae Jemison, a doctor, was the first black woman in space. Mark Dean co-developed the IBM PC and was one of the pioneers of tablet design. Dubbed the black Thomas Edison, Granville T. Woods held over 50 patents including the multiplex railway telegraph that improved communication between stations and reduced accidents along the rails. And all the gamers out there have Jerry Lawson to thank for pioneering the video game cartridge that would serve as the precursor of Atari, Nintendo, Playstation, and other gaming systems.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges that many Americans will face in the coming months, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai recently announced the Keep Americans Connected Initiative. In order to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of these exceptional circumstances, he specifically asked broadband and telephone service providers, and trade associations, to take the Keep Americans Connected Pledge.
So far, more than 550 companies and associations have signed the Chairman’s pledge to Keep Americans Connected.
The Keep Americans Connected Pledge reads as follows:
Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, Michigan Broadband Services pledges for the next 60 days to:
1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.