Cyber Fortune

“Civil Rights to Cyber Rights” is a new book by Jabari Simama that claims that those without cyber skills will soon be superfluous in the American, not to mention the global, economy.

Simama describes broadband and other digital technologies as tools to empower, build and connect people and communities. He also points out that “unless we bring access to and literacy of digital technology to all Americans, we are heading toward a society and world of information haves and have-nots….” He sees broadband as being not so much about the technology, but instead as a tool to improve individual lives and society as a whole.

Simama, Atlanta’s former cyber czar, professor, and city councilman – and currently deputy chief operating officer for DeKalb County Government in Georgia – writes about how broadband is the new 21st century utility. The book is set against the backdrop of President Barack Obama’s adept use of technology in his winning campaign for the 44th presidency of the U.S. and his $7.2 billion broadband stimulus package to bridge the divide between the served and underserved.