Media Contact: 
Shiva Goel, (202) 418-2500
shiva.goel@fcc.gov

COMMISSIONER STARKS AND REP. STEVEN HORSFORD, CHAIR OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS, TO HOLD BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT IN LAS VEGAS 

WASHINGTON, February 16, 2023—In honor of Black History Month, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, will jointly hold an event to raise awareness of the digital divide’s impact on Black communities and federal programs that can help all eligible Americans secure the connectivity they need to thrive in a 21st century digital economy.  

The event will be held on Tuesday, February 21st in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority.  It will feature remarks from officials including the Executive Director of the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority and the Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation & Technology to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program and state and local efforts to expand broadband access and adoption.

Commmissioner Starks issued the following statement in advance of the event:

“I look forward to joining Chair Horsford and state and local leaders in Las Vegas next week so that we can shine a light on a significant issue facing Black communities—the disproportionately low rates of broadband access and adoption across much of Black America and the gaps in opportunity that they perpetuate.  I am especially pleased to partner with Congressman Horsford, whose leadership on these issues has helped to connect over 170,000 households in Nevada.  

I’m also pleased that we’re working to raise awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program among Americans receiving federal housing assistance.  As I’ve often said, there’s a particular nexus between housing and connectivity—if we can help a family secure housing, we should be able to help them secure a home internet connection as well.  By raising awareness, gaining trust, and executing on enrollment, I’m hopeful we can get more eligible Americans signed up for this important program.”

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Office of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks: (202) 418-2500 
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
Twitter: @GeoffreyStarks 
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/geoffrey-starks

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).