The Dream Deferred

The Internet has the potential to be a true equalizer among races, sexes, and ages. The Web's anonymity allows content to overshadow color. At the same time, the poorest and most underserved members of our society are not allowed the opportunity to utilize and benefit from this technology. They are falling victim to poor schools and low socioeconomic levels that prevent them from learning the technology.

America has gone wrong somewhere. We are importing a workforce of talented people to bolster the technology sector. Yet we have an entire population in America that wants to learn these trades but that doesn't have access to adequate education and training. For selfish reasons, we should all want to develop the minds of the generations coming after us so that U.S. companies will have a viable workforce for the future. I understand why we are importing so much talent today, but I don't understand why our education system is failing. If we applied the same ingenuity to education that we do to business, our society would succeed beyond our wildest dreams.

How can business leaders begin to turn the tide?

My father said that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. All you need is a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. I believe that today's business leaders can make a huge difference by giving their talent, expertise, and time. Anyone can give a little money, but by mentoring someone once a week, a business leader can help produce the next Bill Gates, Colin Powell, or Dr. Benjamin Carson. One of our greatest challenges is harnessing the power of our incredibly smart and successful business leaders to help our underserved people.

On a national scale, President Bush needs to convene a group of top business leaders to focus on this question: How can America apply the principles of business success to protect and serve its children? I would like to see a coalition of retired business people sink its teeth into a project that is centered on learning. I would like to see the most experienced members of the business community create a blueprint, a pilot project designed to infuse our national education system with solid, proven business standards. Business leaders' expertise is so valuable. And America needs it.

How are you working with the SCLC to deliver on the new economy's promises?

The people whom I represent are the least of God's children. They cannot pay their electric bills. They cannot pay their rent. They are living on a fixed income -- or no income at all. We need to address these economic realities before we can push forward. The SCLC is working to unite all of its 50 chapters and 25 affiliates through education and technology. We are wiring all of our chapter offices and introducing computer training for our members.

Before we can mobilize people around a cause, we must revive the dialogue and get the message out. We must help our constituents understand the issues facing them, and we must help them feel empowered to change those issues. So, in addition to computer training, the SCLC is using the Web to spark conversation about issues like racial profiling.

There are hundreds of Web sites dedicated to hatred and hostility. The Internet can promote division and racial insensitivity, but it can also promote love and harmony. I don't believe in suppressing freedom of speech, but I do believe that we can drown out hatred by creating 10,000 sites dedicated to justice and tolerance. We must show our children that there is far more love and fairness in the world than prejudice and hatred. We've got a lot of work ahead of us.