Organizers Hope To Empower And Inspire Americans In High-Tech Industry

OBSERVER STAFF REPORT

Tavis Smiley

SAN JOSE - Tavis Smiley, in association with Microsoft Corporation, will kick off a four-city tour of "Blacks In Technology" - a free symposium and exposition - in Los Angeles on February 2-3, 2002.

"Blacks in Technology" (BIT) is the place where African Americans and technology converge. BIT will present two days of information-packed seminars led by industry experts who share ideas and applications for all to really use. Microsoft's Chairman and Chief Software Architect, Bill Gates, will deliver a fascinating and informative keynote message at 8 a.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Gates stated, "... At Microsoft, we're investing in education and improving access to technology throughout the African American and Hispanic communities, and for other groups." Speaking about the Business Divide, he continued, "Our goal is to make sure that African American, Hispanic and other ethnic businesses have the same e-commerce opportunities that every other business has."

America's first free Black consumer and business technology exchange will present interactive exhibits for adults and children featuring the latest technology innovations and gadgets for business, home, and personal entertainment. BIT will offer attendees an opportunity to network with some of the most influential Americans in technology.

Following the inaugural symposium in Los Angeles, the expo will move on to Atlanta on March 16; Chicago on April 13; and New York on May 11, 2002.

The visionary keynote speakers to share their respective visions will be corporate chiefs Richard Parsons, CEO of AOL/Time Warner; Carly Fiorina, Chairman & CEO of Hewlett-Packard; and Microsoft CEO, Steve Balmer.

The "Blacks in Technology" host committee consists of a group of powerful leaders among whom are Barry Cooper (Blackvoices.com), Tom Joyner (radio talk show host), Renee McClure (president, Black Data Processors Association), Kweisi Mfume (president, NAACP) Omar Wasow (BlackPlanet.com), Maxine Waters (U.S. House of Representatives) and Cornel West (Harvard University professor).

The BIT host committee has assembled an impressive and diverse group of symposium panelists that will vary from city-to-city.

They will include educators, professionals, political and civic leaders and entertainers such as Farai Chideya, Barry Cooper, Chuck D, Skip Gates, Herbie Hancock, Wade Henderson, Steve Harvey, Jesse Jackson, Sr., Pradeep Jotwani, Prince, Hugh Price, Cheryl Shavers, Sinbad and Susan Taylor.

"Blacks in Technology" is an event that will provide the information and technology contacts needed to be successful in today's digital world.

Technology professionals and enthusiasts are encouraged to experience free hands-on digital lounges; an exposition floor filled with cutting edge solutions; sessions on how to select technology for home and office use; on-site recruitment for high-tech jobs; youth summit offering training on educational and entertainment software; and much more.