Digital Literacy: A Critical Need for the African American Community
Addressing the urgent digital literacy gaps that limit economic opportunity, educational advancement, and civic participation in African American communities across the United States.

by Kimberly Mobley

The Scope of the Digital Literacy Crisis
1
Alarming Statistics
Black youth (48 percent) are three times as likely as white youth (16 percent) to have no or limited independent digital skills, creating barriers to educational and career advancement.
2
Access Barriers
Digital literacy levels show significant disparities: Black Americans stand at 60%, compared to the US average of 78% and the industrialized world at 85%. This gap limits full participation in digital society.
3
Economic Impact
A strong correlation exists between digital literacy and income. Black Americans, with 60% digital literacy, earn an average income of $35,000. This contrasts with the US average of $45,000 (78% literacy) and the industrialized world's average of $50,000 (85% literacy).
Digital Literacy & Economic Impact: By the Numbers
📊 Digital Literacy Levels by Group
Key Insights:
Global Benchmark: Industrialized nations lead with an 85% digital literacy rate
National Average: The U.S. average sits slightly lower at 78%, indicating ongoing gaps even in a developed economy
Equity Gap: Economically challenged communities in the U.S. show a steep drop to 55%, highlighting significant access and education barriers
Racial Disparities: Black Americans have a 60% literacy rate — 18 percentage points below the national average — underscoring the digital divide within the country
💰 Average Annual Income by Group
Key Insights:
Income Gap Mirrors Literacy Gap: Groups with lower digital literacy also experience significantly lower income
Economic Inequality: The income gap between the industrialized world and economically challenged U.S. populations exceeds $22,000 annually
Intersection of Race & Economy: Black Americans earn on average $13,000 less per year than the U.S. average, correlating closely with lower digital literacy levels

📍 Key Takeaway:
Digital literacy and income are tightly linked. Lower literacy often predicts lower earning potential. Targeted interventions — like affordable access to technology, workforce training, and community digital literacy programs — are critical to closing these gaps. Bridging the digital divide isn't just about skills — it's about economic empowerment.
The Digital Divide & Economic Impact in the African American Community
🔎 Digital Literacy Gap
African Americans have a 60% digital literacy rate, 18 points below the U.S. average and 25 points below the industrialized world benchmark. This gap stems from systemic inequities in education, infrastructure, and opportunity.
  • Access: Lack of reliable broadband and devices limits early exposure.
  • Education: Underfunded schools mean fewer tech resources and outdated curricula.
  • Workforce: Limited digital fluency creates barriers to high-demand jobs.
💼 Economic Consequences
The digital literacy gap directly mirrors income disparities. With an average annual income of $32,000, Black Americans earn significantly less than both the U.S. and global industrialized averages.
  • Job Access: Limited digital skills restrict access to higher-paying opportunities.
  • Wealth: Hindered entrepreneurship and remote work potential widen the racial wealth gap.
  • Mobility: Digital inequity compounds structural barriers, limiting economic advancement.
Digital Literacy's Role in Community Empowerment
Economic Development
Digital literacy enables access to online job applications, remote work opportunities, and digital entrepreneurship platforms that can transform local economies.
Education & Healthcare
Online learning platforms and telehealth services require digital literacy skills to access quality education and healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.
Civic Participation
Digital literacy enables meaningful participation in democratic processes, from accessing government services to organizing community advocacy efforts.
Digital Literacy as Economic Empowerment
1
Employment Access
Many employers will only accept online applications, where truck drivers and other blue-collar workers are expected to access work assignments digitally.
2
Entrepreneurship
Digital marketplaces and e-commerce platforms require digital literacy skills to reach customers, manage finances, and scale businesses effectively.
3
Wealth Building
Digital financial literacy enables access to online banking, investment platforms, and digital payment systems essential for building generational wealth.
Digital Health Literacy: A Critical Need
1
Telemedicine Access
Digital literacy skills are essential for navigating telehealth platforms, scheduling virtual appointments, and managing electronic health records effectively.
2
Health Information
African Americans with low health literacy are less likely to use computers or the internet for health information, limiting access to vital health resources.
3
Health Equity
Improved digital health literacy can help address racial disparities in healthcare outcomes by enabling better access to information and services.
Educational Digital Equity
Student Access
Students of higher learning need to do their coursework online, making digital literacy essential for academic success.
Community Programs
Local organizations provide culturally responsive digital literacy training that acknowledges and builds upon existing community strengths.
Online Resources
Digital literacy enables access to free educational platforms, but requires foundational skills to navigate and utilize effectively.
The Bottom Line
For the African American community, digital literacy is not a luxury — it's a pathway to economic equity, workforce participation, and generational wealth. Bridging the digital divide is one of the most powerful tools we have to address systemic inequality and unlock economic potential.
No One Is Coming — We Must Build the Skills Ourselves
For too long, we've waited — for systems to change, for resources to be delivered, for opportunities to be offered. The hard truth is: no one is coming to save us.
The world is moving forward — faster, more digital, more connected — and if we don't move with it, we'll be left behind.
The data makes it plain:
Our digital literacy rates are lower.
Our incomes are lower.
Our access to opportunity is more limited.
No one is coming. But we are more than enough to change our own story.
Empower Your Future: Digital Literacy at Gotta Go Gaming Hub
No one is coming to save us — but we have the power to save ourselves.
The future is digital, and the opportunities of tomorrow belong to those who know how to use technology today. At Gotta Go Gaming Hub, we're turning that truth into action with a hands-on Digital Literacy Program designed specifically for our community.
In just 8 weeks, participants will build the essential tech skills needed to compete, connect, and create in the modern world:
Computer Basics & Navigation
Gain confidence using everyday devices, operating systems, and productivity tools.
Internet & Online Safety
Learn how to search, research, and protect yourself online.
Professional Communication
Master email etiquette, digital collaboration, and workplace communication tools.
Workplace Tools & Career Skills
Get practical experience with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — skills employers demand.
Career Empowerment
Build a digital portfolio, search for jobs online, and prepare for the workforce.
Scan the QR code to request additional information!