NHMC is a leading voice in closing the Digital Divide

April 14, 2025

(Photo Credit: Montclair State)

The Broadband Divide in the US Is Not Color Blind

From Joe Supan, CNET.com, Surveys show that Black, Hispanic and Native Americans are significantly less likely than their white counterparts to have a home internet connection and computer.

In early March, Karen Kama woke up early to hand out flyers in her neighborhood. She wanted people to know about a program at her local library in Reading, Pennsylvania, that helps people learn how to use the internet. 

Two out of every three residents in Reading are Hispanic, so Kama's flyers have one side in Spanish and one side in English.

…….'The No. 1 reason that we hear from our community on why folks are not adopting broadband is cost,’ said Daiquiri Ryan Mercado, strategic legal adviser and policy counsel for the National Hispanic Media Coalition.

To read the story in full. 


Epilogue from NHMC President and CEO, Brenda Castillo

“At the National Hispanic Media Coalition, we know that without digital access, diverse communities are locked out of the very systems that create opportunity and provide educational resources. Closing the digital divide is not just about technology; it is about justice, equity, and building a future where our children are not left behind simply because they could not log on. When we invest in broadband, affordability, and digital literacy, we are not just bridging a gap - we are unlocking potential for generations to come.” 

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a 40+ year old 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan, civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward Latino and marginalized communities, which includes seniors, youth, and other historically excluded groups.

We advance Latino visibility and influence from the halls of Washington, D.C., to the studios of Hollywood. Through our media advocacy and workforce development initiatives, NHMC creates spaces where diverse creators can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Our Series Scriptwriters Program, Latinx Stream Showcase, Creators Networking Program, Careers in Entertainment Youth Program, and Media Advocacy Fellowships serve as both incubators and pipelines, preparing the next generation of storytellers, advocates, and industry leaders. Through mentorship, education, networking opportunities, and direct access to entertainment executives, these programs help transform emerging talent into lasting industry voices while expanding authentic representation across media.

We lead the work to eliminate online hate and disinformation across media platforms. We advocate in the space of Artificial Intelligence when it intersects with civil & human rights, including making sure Latino-Interest and children’s protections are included in AI initiatives and implementations. We advocate for the Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline Program, Net Neutrality protections, and closing the digital divide for Latino and other marginalized communities. NHMC works in partnership with other social justice organizations to safeguard democracy in the United States of America.

NHMC is a not-for-profit, and provides equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

© 2026 National Hispanic Media Coalition // communications@nhmc.org // o. (626) 792-6462
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