At ABC, we are committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet for all communities, especially those who have been underinvested in. Digital equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have equitable access to the connectivity, devices, skills, and information needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is not just about connectivity; it’s about access to economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and vital resources. Every individual, regardless of their background or zip code, deserves access to fast, reliable, and affordable internet and the digital tools necessary to succeed in today’s world.
Addressing Digital Equity in Latina/o Communities
Southeast Los Angeles (SELA), a predominantly Latina/o region (94%), has historically been excluded from government support, including investments in broadband infrastructure. This systemic underinvestment and discrimination have resulted in significant disparities in internet access between affluent and low-income neighborhoods. At ABC, we view internet access as a 21st-century civil right essential for education, work, healthcare, and civic engagement. Addressing widespread disparities in internet speed and cost, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods like SELA, is a critical focus of our advocacy for digital equity.
Working towards digital equity is especially critical given the stark disparities:
- In California, data shows that approximately 1,051,000 Latinas/os do not have internet access.
- In Vernon, at least 80% or nearly all households do not have broadband with 100 mbps download speeds which is the minimum for households to meet their basic needs.
- In most of Maywood, at least 20% of households and as many as 40% do not have broadband with 100 mbps download speeds.
- In Huntington Park, as many as 60% of households in half of the city do not have broadband with 100 mbps download speeds.
- A 2022 report on internet pricing disparities found that Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) addresses were offered high speed internet services at a higher price per month than addresses in Cerritos and San Marino.
Parent Academy, Pláticas, and Trainings
ABC hosted Digital Equity Advocacy training sessions in January with fifteen parents from Southeast L.A., including Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Walnut Park, and South Gate. This eight-week program aims to develop digital equity champions through power-building and advocacy skills. ABC partnered with EveryoneOn and Southeast Community Development Corporation to offer an inclusive experience, providing laptops and digital literacy classes covering internet navigation, Zoom, and Google apps.
In partnership with Parent Engagement Academy, ABC also conducted digital equity trainings at three SELA schools—Liberty Boulevard Elementary, Maywood High School, and Walnut Park Middle School—reaching over 233 parents in 2024 so far. These bilingual sessions, offered in English and Spanish, covered crucial topics such as equity vs. equality, the importance of internet access for everyday activities, understanding advocacy and the role of advocates, and the latest policy updates on digital equity.
Advocacy
Local Advocacy
Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Maywood, and South Gate are the latest cities in LA County to adopt ordinances to combat digital discrimination. Building on the momentum of the City of LA, elected leaders in these Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) cities have denounced digital discrimination in their communities, and encourage residents to submit discrimination complaints to federal, state and local entities. ABC led the outreach and support of each of these motions with support from the Digital Equity LA Coalition.
South Gate Digital Discrimination Ordinance
“What they’re doing to the people in socially economically disadvantaged areas is taking advantage [of them] and I don’t appreciate that”
– South Gate Mayor Gil Hurtado
On Tuesday, May 28th, the South Gate City Council passed a City ordinance addressing digital discrimination. Thanks to ABC’s efforts, South Gate is now the second city in the country to take action! Aligned with FCC regulations and building on the City of Los Angeles’ digital discrimination ordinance passed in January, this move targets broadband access disparities based on income, race, ethnicity, color, religion or national origin.
Bell Gardens Digital Discrimination Ordinance
“During the pandemic, we saw this issue exacerbate throughout the communities of Southeast due to the digital divide we have. Kids were having to join through Zoom without having adequate access through laptops or hot spots at home. It just goes to show that it’s things like this, resolutions like this, that continually push the narrative for communities like ours.”
– South Gate Councilmember Chavez
On Monday, June 10th, the Bell Gardens City Council passed a City ordinance addressing digital discrimination. Following the momentum of other SELA cities such as Commerce, Cudahy, South Gate and Maywood, this ordinance is also aligned with FCC regulations and the LA City ordinance passed in January!
State Advocacy
In May 2024, ABC was in Sacramento alongside our parent leaders, EveryoneOn and Latino Equality Alliance for our Southeast Los Angeles Digital Equity (SELA) Advocacy Day! We spent the day meeting with elected officials and SELA representatives urging them to protect the governor’s proposed $1.5B investment in the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) to ensure disconnected communities, such as SELA, are connected.
In California, data shows that approximately 1,051,000 Latinas/os do not have access to the internet. For SELA cities, in particular, the need is critical. In the City of Vernon, for example, at least 80% of households do not have broadband with 100 mbps download speeds which is the minimum for households to meet their basic needs. The remaining sections of the MMBI are essential to changing the reality of disconnected regions such as SELA and beyond. Without expanded middle mile infrastructure, there is no way to connect households, schools, and businesses to internet services.
If the MMBI is completed as planned, it will provide millions of Californians in urban, rural, and tribal communities with reliable, affordable, and high-speed internet for decades. We hope our elected officials and stakeholders involved will keep regions like SELA at the forefront and help us take a step towards digital equity by protecting the full $1.5B investment.
Digital Equity LA Coalition
ABC is proud to be part of Digital Equity LA, a coalition made up of equity and justice advocates across Los Angeles County and California to ensure everyone has access to fast, reliable, and affordable broadband! The coalition is made up of educators, healthcare providers, economic development advocates, and community leaders dedicated to serving and advocating for Californians who have often been left behind.
Los Angeles City Hall Advocacy Day
On May 4th, 2023, the Digital Equity LA coalition gathered over 80 advocates and community members, including ABC, at LA City Hall for the first-ever City and County of LA Digital Equity Advocacy Day. We engaged with leaders from the offices of Mayor Karen Bass, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein-Soto, City Controller Kenneth Mejia, and several City Council members, as well as all five LA County Board of Supervisors. ABC proudly joined to promote equity and justice across health care, education, economic development, youth development, climate, and more, showcasing our commitment to advancing digital equity for all Angelenos.
Los Angeles Digital Discrimination Ordinance
As part of the Digital Equity LA coalition, ABC played a crucial role in advocating for the unanimous passage of Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson’s groundbreaking motion in January 2024, which created the nation’s first municipal digital discrimination ordinance.
Interested in learning more about our digital equity work? Contact ABC’s Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy, Erika Cervantes at erika@afabc.org or Stephanie Tapia Onate, Communications & Policy Coordinator, at stephanie@afabc.org.