The 138th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention was held recently in downtown Minneapolis. Comcast was proud to support this year’s event, which included a brief presentation by Comcast West Division President, Steve White.
White used the theme of this year’s gathering, “Envisioning the Future Exceptionally,” as the basis for his remarks, citing himself as an example of what it means to grow up in the church and the power of a nurturing community.
“As a single-parent family growing up in the projects of Indianapolis, the church was at the very heart of our household and our connections to the community,” said White. “The strength of a praying mother and grandmother carried us through the hardships and motivated me to do my very best, not simply for myself, but for those who supported me along the way.”
White also underscored the importance of removing barriers for people of all ages, and thanked the attendees for their partnership in working to bridge the digital divide through Internet Essentials, Comcast’s low-income broadband adoption program.
“My mom worked tirelessly for 35 years as a high school janitor to try and create opportunities for her sons, and I’m so very grateful to now have the chance to pay it forward through our work with Internet Essentials.”
According to White, six million Americans have been connected to the internet through Internet Essentials over the past seven years, many for the very first time. In addition, the company recently expanded eligibility for the program to low-income veterans, with more than one million eligible nationally.
White closed his comments by thanking those who have made it possible for people like him to reach their potential and serve others.
“I encourage and challenge you to continue your journey of “Envisioning the Future Exceptionally.” We have made great progress, and we can do even more to help and inspire our communities. And we do that by working together.”
