One of Comcast’s most vocal advocates on the issue of digital equity, Johnson has traveled to more than a dozen cities across Comcast’s service area in the past 12 months to raise awareness about the importance of closing the digital divide. Throughout his career, Johnson has prioritized serving as a mentor to others, as a lawyer, political strategist, policy expert and law professor, reaching out to young professionals and students of color.
What’s your boldest prediction about the industry in the next 10 years? That we will finally and substantively close the digital divide. Once we break through these barriers, the internet and associated technologies will truly level the playing field and create economic mobility.
Has the internet created more inclusion or exclusion? To date, the Internet has created inclusion for most but exclusion for those who don’t yet have access and those who have not fully adopted it. As we make strides towards bridging the digital divide once-and-for-all, that will shift all the way to inclusion. We’re close, but we’re not quite there yet.
What nonprofit are you proud to champion? First, I want to acknowledge the many thousands of nonprofits across the country that are serving their communities in substantive and meaningful ways. Nonprofit organizations and employees are the backbones of our communities, providing access to resources and opportunities that can change lives and have a positive ripple affect across neighborhoods. One of Comcast’s partners, The Hidden Genius Project, is a great example of this. That fantastic organization trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. In training the “Geniuses” to participate and excel in our digital economy, they are also preparing them to be leaders and mentors.