Monday was the 25th anniversary of the first  .com domain ever registered. The company in question is now defunct but that action started a revolution. We now live in an era where  .com domain names play a crucial part in our everyday lives.  A web presence is an essential reality for most businesses, and as a general rule, companies that do not have a website domain registered are missing out on a huge market of untapped potential.  Thinking about how far the Internet has come and how much our world has been changed by it, one’s left to marvel at the possibilities for where we’ll be twenty-five years from now.

Businesses started in garages and dorm rooms have achieved in years what used to take decades. The playing field is more level than it’s ever been, but I can’t help but think about all the people who are still not part of this world of opportunity.  There are millions of people who are not aware of the wealth of  information available online that could potentially change their lives.  They’re also unaware that even in this time of economic depression, the barriers to creating new businesses online are lower than they’ve ever been.  However minorities and people living in underserved communities continue to be  the ones on the wrong side of this equation.

On March 17, 2010, the FCC is introducing it’s National Broadband plan as a means of correcting the digital divide that has plagued our country for far too long. We all have to work to make sure that this plan includes the steps and resources necessary to bridge the gap that keeps far too many in our communities at a disadvantage. We can’t wait another 25 years. The time is now and the future is bright, so bright that I have some predictions for the next 25 years.

• Every public school will have broadband internet access and classes will be taught on digital literacy at the elementary school level and technology development  at the middle school level.
• Mobile broadband devices will replace credit and debit cards as means of payment
• Entertainment will be delivered via broadband instead of cable and satellite
• Internet based health care will help change the way we interface with doctors
• There will be 10 new minority technology entrepreneurs who will make it on the Forbes billionaire list by making one of the other predictions happen. Will it be you?  I hope so!

Last week search giant Google, technology nonprofit One Economy, cell phone provider Cricket and hardware maker Qualcomm announced a plan to provide free broadband access for two years to low income communities in Washington, D.C.

The program, called “Project Change Access, ” will distribute free computers and wireless broadband access cards through local community groups.  In a post on Google’s Public Policy Blog, the company said this program is an extension of a pilot that began last year in Portland, where 400 families received free broadband access. Up to 1,000 broadband access cards will be distributed in the D.C. program. The Change Access Foundation, another nonprofit working to expand Internet access among low income communities, is also supporting the project.

“The digital divide doesn’t just mean that people don’t have a computer, it means that they are cut off from the resources that can aid them in developing skills to participate in the 21st Century,” said Shawn A. Covell, Vice President of Government Affairs and Head of Wireless Reach for Qualcomm, in a press release announcing the project. “We are eager to see how 3G wireless technology provides new opportunities for the families participating in this project.”

Cricket is providing the broadband cards, Google is sponsoring the modems, and Qualcomm is funding a study to gauge the impact of the program. Participating local organizations include the Far Southeast Family Collaborative, Life Pieces to Masterpieces, Casa De Maryland, South Washington/West of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Kids Konnection, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, D.C., Byte Back, the D.C. Office of the Technology Officer, and the District of Columbia Public Library.

Google is also matching donations to One Economy through January 15, up to $250,000. One Economy is a global non-profit organization uses technology to deliver information and support to low-income people. More than 17 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources, and the organization has programs around the world.

The MacArthur Foundation (Digital Media and Learning) took the lead in funding scholarship, research and activities centered on digital media and youth culture. The videos of scholars Anna Everett (Professor, University of California Santa Barbara, Film & Media Studies) and Nichole Pinkard (Chief Technology Officer/Director, University of Chicago, Center for Urban School Improvement, Digital Youth Network) were uploaded in 2006, but in 2009 the conversation continues about Internet use, digital media and the divide across communities and race.

If you are a minority from an poor community with aspirations of one day working for technology giant Microsft, Ms. Andrea L. Taylor may be the catalyst behind that process. Check out the video below as she talks about everything from  “Closing the technology skills gap’, ‘applying for Microsoft training vouchers’ and their ‘job training program.’”

(via Black Digerati @BlackDigerati)

Earlier today we wrote about the Launch of HuffPoTech and the direction they’ll take covering Technology news.  They plan to cover technology and how it effects the people who use it and build it not just chase the news.  So I am especially excited because Robin Caldwell our Managing Editor will be contributing to HuffPoTech on behalf of Black Web 2.0!  She is leading the launch as the first contributor to the section (History ) and is serving as the opening act for a slew of heavy hitters that will follow.  You can check out her first contribution over there titled “Black Like Me? The Missing Faces in Technology and Innovation.“  Exciting stuff!

In addition, this opportunity forced us to launch something that we had not only been thinking about but had been working on for sometime.  It is nothing HUGE, in fact it is something that is small but had been missing as a resource.  It is called Color in Tech.  It is simply a directory of people of color inclusive of all races though is skews more African-American since that is our focus on this site.  It is pretty basic right now and Markus was able to put this together in only 2 days however, we know that it is a start to a great solution.  We run into people who often want to know where African-American’s are in technology.  They want to know where the start-ups are, and where the speakers are, and so on and so forth.  My response is I usually ramble off a few names or make a few introductions.  Collectively we all know where the color in technology is.  It is just to often locked in our heads and is only re-purposed when someone asks.  This is one of the main reasons why we’ve been contemplating launching this site and is the chief reason why we will eventually open it up so that it is editable by everyone.  We are hoping this will be an easy way (and a starting point and solution) to people becoming more inclusive in who they choose to feature, invite to speak at conferences, and so on and so forth.  We also think it will just be something that will be cool to browse through as well.  If we forgot to add you or missed you please don’t take offense, who we’ve listed is certainly not and end all be all, it is simply a starting point and the best we could do in 2 days time.  The list currently includes 100 people of color in technology.  Another important note is this list is not ranked at all so please don’t take offense to listing position as well.  We are looking forward to hearing your thoughts!!

The Professional Diversity Network, which includes networking sites for professional minorities, iHispano.com and AMightyRiver.com, has just surpassed one million unique visitors. Both sites serve as professional hubs for African American and Hispanic job-seekers to search careers as well as build relationships with potential mentors. Companies looking for diverse applicants on the Professional Diversity Network include; Siemens, Boeing, Capital One, and many more.

With iHispano.com becoming the largest professional networking site for Hispanics the Professional Diversity Network is looking to expand, launching sites for women, LGBT, and Asian professionals in the near future.

The 2009 MUES (MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneur Series) offers its final ePowerlunch Webinar of the summer on Tuesday, September 15  at 11:30 a.m. CST (12:30 p.m. EST) and will be focused on Tech Your Biz  – The new face of marketing using Web 2.0 tools. Here is a brief description:

Blogging, viral videos and campaigns, search engine optimization and social networks, what does it all mean and how to use it to market your business.  Join the discussion as new media specialists share the tricks of this new trade that help maximize the bottom line.

Panelists include Juan Solana, Kevin McFall, Fred Sotelo and BlackWeb20.com’s Angela Benton.

The Webinar is free. And you can visit MUES online to listen to other podcasts of the series.  Register Here

Gregory Celestan, CEO, Celestar, No. 225

Marcell Haywood, CEO, Dirt Pros EVS, No. 232

Bobby Blackwell and Darrell Childs, Founders, GS5, No. 383

Michael Battle, CEO, Battle Resource Management, No. 455

Gregory Celestan, CEO, Celestar, No. 225

Marcell Haywood, CEO, Dirt Pros EVS, No. 232

Bobby Blackwell and Darrell Childs, Founders, GS5, No. 383

Michael Battle, CEO, Battle Resource Management, No. 455

William Teel Jr., CEO, 1 Source Consulting, No. 68

William Teel went from writing software for the Department of Energy after college to taking over the department’s entire IT infrastructure. (Read the rest here.)

I recently read an article about 365black.com, a website dedicated to celebrating black history and achievements 365 days a year. This site is actually over 6 years old and has caught a lot of flack during that time. Why? Because it’s owned and operated by McDonald’s.

At McDonald’s^®, we believe that African-American culture and achievement should be celebrated 365 days a year — not just during Black History Month. That’s the idea behind 365Black.com. It’s a place where you can learn more about education, employment, career advancement and entrepreneurship opportunities, and meet real people whose lives have been touched by McDonald’s. Plus, you can also have a chance to win exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. So make sure you visit often — you just might get inspired.

Out the gate we already know this site will be controversial because it’s about race and culture. It’s a site specifically for black people? How racist! I would hate to see the backlash against 365white.com. Of course, this is the reaction any time anything comes out geared toward black people or black culture. Anyone remember the Blackbird web browser? I think they had the Whitebird spoof site up within 24hrs (kinda telling that it links to Safari, though). The problem is that it’s not that simple and as long as everyone keeps acting like it’s that simple, we really won’t get anywhere and nobody will ever learn anything. The entire issue of race isn’t so black and white (pun intended).

“Black” in America is an ethnic group comprised of an artificially condensed and less varied collection of cultures, many of which have been replaced by “Black culture”. “White” in America is an ethnic group comprised of extremely varied cultures which have maintained their separate identities. Comparing the two terms is comparing apples and oranges. They have two very different meanings, and thus are rightfully treated as two very different social/cultural entities. When people attempt to compare the two, they are ignoring the history. This whole issue is further confused by the fact that people often confuse the term “Black” as a race with “Black” as a culture. (via Rutju on Digg)

Who knew there were intelligent comments on Digg. You can’t jump to the conclusion that the answer to anything geared towards black people is something made for white people. There just isn’t an immediate and simple comparison.

Why Can’t We Celebrate All Cultures Simultaneously?

One argument that always comes up is that this type of targeting of specific minority groups is separatist. They say we should celebrate diversity in general, not just black culture.

Look, I’m not black, so maybe I have no right to be offended. But this does offend me. It offends me because it shoots straight at the heart of cultural diversity, something which by now, we should all be celebrating because its part of every single country on this planet. (via Zee)

Another article from 2002 about 365Black points out that, instead of trying to promote black culture through mass media, we should be getting schools to make these things part of the default curriculum. If we can’t even have our black president talk to students without a huge uproar, I don’t see how that’s ever going to happen. Never mind the fact that, not only is “black culture” an umbrella term for a varied and diverse group of cultures, but there are other minority groups that would still be left out. This is probably why McDonald’s also has sites for Asians and Hispanics. You can’t just lump everyone together.

Why Celebrate Any Cultures At All? We’re All Just People, Right?

Wrong. We just aren’t there yet. We don’t live in a post-racial America. Just because we elected a black president, doesn’t mean race doesn’t matter anymore. I think McDonald’s recognizes the fact that minorities have challenges that others do not. I’m not saying 365Black is not also about marketing to black folks and selling a few Big Macs, but it’s also about scholarships and opportunities for minorities.

So let me get it straight: the author is offended by the idea of having community sites that appeal to different cultures and instead thinks the solution is … “a diversity website saying they support all different kinds of cultures, races, charities and organizations”?? Give me a break.

IMHO “celebrating diversity” isn’t pretending that there are no differences and putting all minorities under one big umbrella; it’s knowing that we’ve all got differences, having no problem with it, and enjoying the variety.

It’s Patronizing and Disrespectful

I’ve pretty much found most of the McDonald’s commercials and campaigns to be a little patronizing, but this is a double-edged sword. Sure, there are a bunch of black people in the commercial dancing around and singing to a watered down hip-hop track and using slang that many of us don’t even use anymore, but what would we say if there were no black people in the commercials? On another note, how can we be upset about how black people are portrayed when we probably do the most damage to our image?

Have you ever watched how most white people are portrayed? Is every white kid in a band? Do all white people make excessive use of the word “Like” and say “OMG” in normal conversation? Do they all ride skateboards? It’s always going to be awkward when a brand tries to reach out to a specific community or even a general audience. Someone will take it the wrong way or be offended.

Ford and KFC have similar initiatives reaching out to the black community. I’m curious, though. Are you offended? It seems like most reactions from black people are somewhat indifferent or confused, but others are actually angry with McDonald’s for this site. Which are you?

The tag

My rant
I can’t take it anymore, I just looked at the trending topics on Twitter and number one is #uknowublackwhen and the tweets that flowing in at an alarming rate are TERRIBLE! Most of the tweets are racist, stereotypical and appalling. To some they may be funny but to me they’re not. It just shows to others that we need to learn some online etiquette ASAP!

Why is this a problem?
In my world, I talk with businesses about protecting their brand, building content and how to use social media to communicate with potential costumers. Businesses are now looking at potential employees on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin profiles before they think about hiring them. Do you see where I’m going with this? I’ve been seeing trending hashtags on twitter such as #3wordsaftersex and more and I know all of the tweets are NOT by African-Americans but majority of them are. So if you’re wondering why I’ve been tweeting “be careful what you tweet” that’s why.

I can’t take it anymore
For me this blog post rant has been building up for some time. As one of the very few African-Americans on Twitter since 2006 – and I used to be in the top 100 Twitter users before all of the rappers and NBA players arrived – I feel as though I have a “little” authority to talk about the situation. Sadly I saw this coming and if you want to go on the “who gives you a right to judge” route, I understand but I’ve seen a lot of things happening in the Twitter space in the last 8 months that I’m not happy about. The #uknowublackwhen hashtag just topped the cake for me.

Where are you?
In the “tech” bubble it’s a hard space to compete in or just to get noticed. There’s very few African-Americans in the technology space and we’re consistently trying to prove our value; that we belong here too. You don’t know how many events I’ve attended where I’m the only African-American person in the room. I’m used to it by now as I’ve been in the technology industry since 1996 but sometimes I look around and I wonder where; are the other minorities? Are they not interested in technology/blogging/social media?

It is good to know others are trying to do something about it. Read: The Future of White Boy clubs from Chris Messina

I looked for you and now this?
There was even a time in 2007 when I went on a search to find more African-Americans on Twitter because there weren’t many. I did find @JaysonFlint @dj_diva @jbrotherlove and a few more. But now with Twitter going main stream, and Hip-Hop artist and black/urban entertainment using Twitter, there is no short list of African-Americans online.

Can a Race have a voice?
Something I talk about when doing consulting is understanding the community and establishing your own voice online and this goes for individuals and not just businesses. But what about a Race? What’s our voice or personal brand? Is it hip-hop, sports, rims or chicken? As a race we’re online creating content but what kind of content? Do we have be the ones online always arguing, creating provocative content, degrading one another? Then we have the audacity to go after others when we’re the ones hurting ourselves the most. It’s like telling cops to stop killing black people when we need to tell black people to stop killing black people.

Who’s influencing who and the problem?
In the past two weeks I’ve been asked about why is there is a lack of diversity in social media or diversity in the leaders of the social media space. We are out here but just hard to find and I think not “attractive” enough to grab your attention. A few are @Abenton @lynneluvah @jsmooth995 @corvida @rahsheen But I try to hold my tongue when I see music artists now doing keynotes at social media conferences when there are so many others out there who are qualified to talk – and no I’m not talking about Hammer, he’s cool. If you look at who’s educating the majority of African-Americans using social media like I said earlier, its the entertainment industry and we all know how most urban/hip-hop music is. 90 percent of it is negative with songs like “blame it on the alcohol”, and “jerk”, you take that and start talking and having conversations on sites like Facebook and Twitter – it’s a hot mess.

Again, I don’t want to be like I’m judging at all but I’m begging for celebrities, music artists, athletes and the like to please think about having some sort of online etiquette when having conversations with the general public.

Is there a solution?
I hope so? I’ve had conversations with a few friends about having a conference directly for minorities on social networking etiquette and we’ll see how that goes. Also there is the BarCamp Diversity idea. Although I think it comes down to people with followings and influence to educate others in a positive way – but in the mean time …. #THINKBEFOREYOUTWEETPEOPLE!

I’m done . . . for now. Your thoughts?

This is a guest post by Wayne Sutton, the article originally appeared on SocialWayne.com