Chariman's Message
Karl Cureton
Chairman
National Minority Technology Council
Never underestimate the importance of each generation. In 1906 Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois delivered an important paper on “The Economic Future of the Negro”. His first point was to edify the importance of the house servant. My childhood was filled with stories of my great grandmother and her defiance in keeping the last name of her man in lieu of land. The stories of how my grandmother and grandfather cared for a well known LA millionaire family and brought the lessons home to my mother. From these humble beginnings my grandmother died 5 years ago at 100, herself worth over a million dollars with the unique distinction of being the oldest living graduate of Spellman College.
Dr. Du Bois further founded his thoughts on urban migration and land ownership. But what was his most forward of thinking was what he called the “group economy”. His premise for growth was based on the question of efficiency; “how efficient can he become with intelligence, technical training, and encouragement?”
But how are times different after 100 years. We are not lynched or boycotted when we as minorities come up with innovation. We are mostly welcome in every neighborhood regardless of how much the home may cost. Dr. Du Bois insightfully summed up his paper concluding that the future depends on common schools, justice, and the right to vote. Clearly we can vote and the plight of our schools remains in our own hands. I certainly pray that the justice system be reformed. But what lies in our path today towards true economic freedom. I say we are the only thing blocking success.
As I write this message President Obama is in Asia. Our US rational for the extended visit is the Asian Market brings some $10 Billion in revenue to our GNP. I was surprised to hear that number as it is the same estimated combined annual revenue of the Minority Technology Industry, now over 4,000 strong. We must unify our “group economy” and work together to illuminate this fast growing segment of US business ownership. We are the innovators of this next generation and we need to combine forces to ensure our joint success. We need to work with our Federal, State, and Local government along with corporate and legal partners to increase our capacity and reach as an industry. We are truly the next wave of economic growth in America. Be counted and become involved.
Karl
Karl Cureton
Chairman
National Minority Technology Council
We are very thankful for and deeply appreciate the many contributors to this website.
Our members and partners spend countless hours working to build successful companies.
We appreciate time spent sharing ideas and best practices with us and providing your thoughts and
feelings with our members at large.
Karl Cureton, NMTC Chair
Our beginnings: In 1999 Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore announced that he "is working with the private sector to create the nation's first Minority Technology Council.
The Council will coordinate efforts with minority-owned technology business and existing regional technology councils across the state." Press Release.
This was the first government announcement of the Council. Shortly after our Council Founder and Chair, Karl Cureton, was invited to speak as a panel guest for the National
Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) on the Digital Divide.
The Council has worked over the last decade with State, Federal Officials, and Corporate Executives to develop parity for minority suppliers in the IT marketplace. The Council has now formed a historic partnership of Minority companies ready to leverage their qualifications and reach.