Technology is the axis on which the 21st century economy turns, and America’s urban centers are where that technology emerges and evolves. Economic empowerment relies on access to high-tech tools and the capacity to make the most of them. The 2018 State of Black America®, “Save Our Cities: Powering the Digital Revolution,” explores the role of cutting-edge technology in every aspect of today’s social and economic landscape, and brings together innovators and leaders in business and industry, government, community and the arts to confront the nation’s challenges and chart a path to success.

“Historically, while great industrial breakthroughs have profited our nation, African Americans have often been exploited, rather than elevated by these advancements,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “Fortunately, the digital revolution is still in its youth—and ripe with potential for Black Americans. While it has positioned itself such that the barriers of entry are few and low, the findings of the National Urban League’s 2018 Digital Inclusion Index are unambiguous: we must separate the signal from the noise.”