The community networking concept is more than just computers. Personally, I used technology to find my professional path. I had plenty of caring adults/mentors that encouraged me to follow my path. I am a visual artist but I did not like the gallery scene so I learned how to use technology to create art, to create content that expressed my inner self. I also used technology to help others. I still read, write, make traditional art and serve others.

Technology is just a tool. I was a straight A and B student. I excelled in literature and science. Caring adults, Black adults helped me realize that in order to be truly self-sufficient I had to learn how to master the tools and be literate on several levels: media, print, computers, Internet, digital equipment, etc.

The caring adults in my life were not my parents. My family was/is battered by all the symptoms of a society that does not encourage or promote the development of self.

What I am offering is the opportunity to use technology as a tool for empowerment--from computer literacy to Web development to streaming. Some people will not see the value of this endeavor but for several people (Black & poor people) this initiative will be the trigger that encourages people to enter the field of multimedia or enhance their current jobs/skills or express themselves or excel in school or find the next step (like me).

"Know thyself"

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you". So we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
-- Hebrews 13:5,6

"There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path"
--Morpheus in "The Matrix"

"It's our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"- Dumbledore to Harry Potter "Chamber of Secrets"