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by Matthew Jones
Source: NAACP Release
When
the NAACP set out to revamp and rebuilt its
entire Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, the
Verizon Foundation was there to answer the call
with a three-year, $1.5 million grant toward that
goal. A short but prestigious list of other
communications, technology and consulting leaders have
also agreed to help guide the effort, including IBM,
Microsoft, Booz Allen Hamilton, Plus
Three and Cisco Systems.
“The
NAACP truly appreciates this partnership with those at
the pinnacle of the technology arena,” said NAACP
President and CEO Bruce S. Gordon. “The grant
and in-kind services donated by these firms support our
need to build a modern, state-of-the-art network that
will further the work provided by our local units. This
global information age demands that infrastructure at
all levels of the Association be as reliable, expedient
and accurate as possible.”
By the
end of the project, the mammoth four-year effort will
have been supported by more than $4 million in financial
and professional contributions from the NAACP’s
philanthropic partners. The initiative comes at a very
important time for the NAACP – in today’s fast-paced,
technology-driven marketplace, having a dependable, fast
and effective IT infrastructure is vital to staying
relevant and competitive.
“With
initiatives like Back to School/Stay in School
that promote the graduation of K-12 students, the NAACP
is entrenched in communities across the country in the
enhancement of literacy and education and the
development of employment and technology skills,” said
Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston.
“We’re honored to help deliver the benefits of 21st
century technology to one of the nation’s preeminent
civil rights organizations, which will in turn continue
building stronger communities.”
The
NAACP has been committed to building stronger
communities since its inception in 1909. With the
support of corporations like the Verizon Foundation and
the other industry leaders that have joined in this
technology initiative the tradition will continue well
into the future.
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