NHMC joined allies from the Voices for Internet Freedom coalition in helping host Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Mignon Clyburn at a Los Angeles town hall last night. The event took place on Skid Row and afforded the FCC with the opportunity to hear directly from constituents. A full video from the evening can be found here. NHMC President and CEO Alex Nogales delivered opening remarks and introduced Commissioner Clyburn to an audience of over one hundred community members. Commissioner Clyburn used the opportunity to discuss the importance of net neutrality in empowering diverse communities with the ability to tell their own stories. The evening was also highlighted by two panels featuring local community members speaking to the difficulties they encounter daily while attempting to stay connected with loved ones and vital social services using their mobile devices and how broadband's relatively high cost prevents many from getting connected. Local and national activists also credited much of their organizing work to the open internet made possible by net neutrality--a principle currently under threat for revocation by the FCC. Activists such as Taz Ahmed from 18 Million Rising, Tia Oso with the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, and Sylvia Moore with California Common Cause each discussed the importance of net neutrality in empowering communities of color with a voice they otherwise wouldn't have. “The decisions that the Federal Communications Commission makes in Washington, D.C. have a real and lasting effect on communities around the country," said Nogales. " [FCC] Chairman Pai’s proposals to dismantle net neutrality and the Lifeline Program would leave millions without the ability to communicate online. We appreciate that Commissioner Clyburn has come to hear us in Los Angeles and learn about the ways in which access to communication services is vital to Angelinos and all Americans across the nation if we are to continue to thrive in the 21st century.” Photos from the event can be found here. To read the press release, click here.]]>
