Dr. Rosie Milligan
*Today, illiteracy is our greatest challenge among Black American adults and children. We are moving into a highly technical era, being driven by computer technology. We are moving away from face-to-face conversations and moving more toward letter writing, faxing, texting, and e-mails. We must combat illiteracy among our children as well as adults.
Studies show that only a small percentage of Black American students met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts, and many have low performance in mathematics. Black American students lag significantly in literacy and mathematics, and there is no plan in place to correct these deficiencies. The question is: Why is it acceptable for Black students to be left behind, and are they not included in the slogan, “No child left behind?” Did we not learn from the 9/11 attack, that when one hurts, we all hurt?
Literacy, technology, and thriving Black businesses are key to economic empowerment for Black America. We must make English and technology literacy a top priority, as generational wealth will be the result of how well we master English and technology literacy. There is no one coming to rescue us. No airplane, no train, no bus, no car, and not even a bicycle, we must walk this: “Economic Journey” alone. We must be the “Lifejacket” for each other. There is no incentive for black children to want to inherit a struggling business. Therefore, I am calling on every Black church, Black organization, and Black leader to make English and technology literacy and support Black-owned businesses everybody’s business. If there ever was a time for Black America to embrace English literacy, technology, and supporting black businesses—it’s now!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people flooded my office with calls seeking help completing applications for unemployment benefits, SBA loans, etc. My staff spent 50% of their time helping those in need of help. When we offered to assist them from home, we discovered many of them did not have a computer or Internet service. Many who had a computer and Internet services were computer illiterate. When we attempted to walk them through the process, they knew nothing about a browser or how they should use it, nor a URL. Then we knew we had to have them to come into our office. We required them to wear a mask and we kept safe distances. Some had to wait in their car until we could bring them in for help—this was at no cost.
Many African American business owners did not have a web presence, and many were not technology savvy—COVID-19 crippled them. This year’s Black Writers On Tour event includes a technology component; realizing that if we don’t embrace it the future of our success will become bleak, making it harder to compete in a global economy.
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Dr. Rosie Milligan
The 27th annual Black Writers On Tour (BWOT) is a free event taking place on March 25, 2023, from 10am to 3pm; located at Carson Community Center, 801 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745. The award-winning guest speaker will be Dr. Claud Anderson along with other distinguished panelists. Authors and vendors can reserve space (239.00 per booth) by calling (323) 750-3592. Parking is free. There will be various writer’s workshops throughout the day promoting “How To Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book Made Simple.” There is also a young writer’s essay competition showcase. Our goal is to raise awareness of the human cost of illiteracy, explore programs on the many ways we may all fight against illiteracy, and encourage young people to explore the joy of reading and writing at an early age.
We still have families who do not have access to a computer or the Internet.
If one cannot read, he/she: Will find it difficult to support a family and may become a burden to his/her parents and society; will be taken advantage of economically via misunderstanding of basic contracts; cannot help their children with schoolwork.
People who cannot read and who cannot find employment: Are hostile, bitter, angry, have low self-esteem; often do not value their lives or the lives of others.
Literacy is everybody’s business!
Only a small percentage of Black American students met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts, and many have low performance in mathematics.
BWOT is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. We now have a twenty-seven-year history that primarily focuses on literacy and empowering youth. We do not exclude any group; however, our main focus is Black Americans, as it’s a proven fact that when it comes to English, mathematics, and technology, they are behind the curve, which means they do not possess the skills needed to survive, thrive, and obtain livable wage jobs to provide for their family. When we combat the illiteracy challenges for Black Americans, we increase their economic status, and that, in turn, helps them to compete in a global economy.
BWOT offered post-COVID free classes for authors and business owners on the following topics: 1) Introduction to Zoom, 2) Advanced Zoom Platform, 3) Introduction to Facebook Live, and Proper Record Keeping for your business and tax compliance. We offered a record-keeping class as a response to the many who missed out on funds from SBA loans, and other financial help because of not having record-keeping and tax information. We recognize three things in life that are guaranteed: Death, Taxes, and Computers.
Through BWOT, we will raise awareness of the human cost of illiteracy, explore programs on the many ways we may all fight against illiteracy, and encourage young people to explore the joy of reading and writing at an early age.
Many Black American students withdraw from college classes early because of their reading pace and feeling overwhelmed by the curriculum and therefore, do not give themselves a fair chance.
Dr. Rosie Milligan
Dr. Rosie Milligan, Senior Estate Planner, author, publisher, talk show host, founder of Black Writers On tour (blackwritersontour.com) and My Tech Academy, and owner of Professional Business Management/Consulting Services, 1425 W. Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90047, 323-750-3592. Email: [email protected]—website: Drrosie.com
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