It’s well-documented that too few African-Americans, Latinos, and women are represented in the fields of science and technology. So how can we boost the chances for a new generation to flourish in these areas? Silicon Harlem, a community of innovators hacking this problem, wants to make sure our lawmakers are grappling with these issues. As a passionate supporter of Silicon Harlem, I see it holding tremendous promise in reviving and accelerating urban areas.
As a proud volunteer with Silicon Harlem, I’m excited to announce Bold‘s partnership for the Silicon Harlem Technology & Innovation Debate featuring all seven candidates vying for the New York 13th Congressional District seat based in Harlem. It’s currently held by longtime Rep. Charles B. Rangel, who is retiring after 45 years.
I’ll join fellow moderators Richard Lui of MSNBC, Jamil Smith of MTVNews, and my colleague Israel Ortega of Opportunity Lives. We’ll have real-time, audience feedback through interactive technology provided by Microsoft Pulse.
The candidates for the NY 13th Congressional race include:
- Assemblyman Keith “LT” Wright
- Assemblyman Guillermo Linares
- Senator Adriano Espaillat
- Former Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV
- Former Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook
- Clyde Williams, former domestic policy advisor for President Bill Clinton
- Michael Gallagher, former business executive
“We are hosting this tech-forward debate to provide the candidates with a platform to share their economic vision for the district with their future constituents, both in-person and online. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – STEM – is driving 21st-century jobs and business opportunities tying our collective future to the Digital Economy,” said Clayton Banks, Silicon Harlem co-founder. “This district has taken steps to build tech hubs and increase STEM programs. Now, our elected officials and the voters have the responsibility to enact policies that accelerate these efforts to enhance economic prosperity.”
Debate Sponsors include: Silicon Harlem, Microsoft, OpportunityLives, GADGET LABS, MTVNews, MoCaFi, and Sydney’s Sweets.
The Host Committee includes: Bold, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Harlem Business Alliance, Urban Latino; Community Boards 9, 10 & 11; American Association of Latinos in Stem; StartUp Box; Boys and Girls Club of Harlem; Shade; UHE TV; New York Urban League; Amory Foundation; NY Tech Meetup; C/I Code Interactive; Blacks in Tech; Digital Diversity Network; Knowledge House, Stuart Film Group and NY WHITAKER INC.
Voter registration will be provided onsite by #VoteHarlem and NYC Votes. The Congressional primary will be held in NYC on June 28, 2016. The last day to register to vote for this race is June 3, 2016.
The debate will take place at the MIST HARLEM, a coffeehouse, restaurant and cultural venue located at 46 West 116th Street. You can watch the debate streaming live at SiliconHarlem.net and register for the Debate here. Also, we’d love to have you submit question ideas for our moderator team below.
