Host: Tawanna Dillahunt, Associate Professor of Information at the University of Michigan and MLK Fellow at MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
Guests: Diamond Hatcher and Edwin Taylor, Community Tech Workers in Detroit, Michigan.
Episode Summary: This episode dives into the heart of Detroit’s Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood to explore how Diamond Hatcher and Edwin Taylor are uplifting their communities by breaking down technological barriers faced by local business owners. Diamond and Edwin share their journeys from personal interests to community-focused entrepreneurship and technology support for local businesses. We uncover the significant impact of technology in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic development.
Key Points:
- Community Empowerment: Diamond and Edwin discuss their roles as community tech workers, providing crucial technology support to local businesses. Their efforts include social media management, search engine optimization, and facilitating access to digital tools, driving both community engagement and business growth.
- The Power of Patience: Both guests emphasize the importance of patience and adapting to the varying levels of technological familiarity among business owners. They share success stories of transforming businesses by resolving issues like incorrect Google listings and enhancing online visibility.
- Impactful Events: The conversation highlights successful workshops hosted by the community tech workers, such as the SEO workshop and Cap Cut video editing sessions, demonstrating the tangible benefits of these educational efforts for local businesses.
- Technology as a Necessity: The dialogue touches on the evolving landscape of technology in business operations, from essential digital platforms like DoorDash to POS systems, illustrating the critical role of technology in maintaining and growing a business.
- The Future of Community and Technology: Diamond and Edwin speculate on the future integration of technology in communities, emphasizing the potential for enhanced connectivity and accessibility through initiatives like bus kiosks and public Wi-Fi, underscoring the ongoing need to bridge the digital divide.
Call to Action: We encourage listeners to spread the word about the free services offered by community tech workers like Diamond and Edwin. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of digital literacy and the profound impact of technology in empowering communities and driving economic development.
Credit: Show notes generated with the help of AI.