Crossing the Digital Divide

DIVERSITY // BY ALEX EMERSON

Craig Arnold receives Diversity Center’s humanitarian award.

Craig Arnold, chairman and CEO of Eaton, has taken home the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s 2021 Humanitarian Award for his work addressing the city’s digital divide. The award was presented by Peggy Zone Fisher, president and CEO of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and Cipriano S. Beredo III, executive board chair of the organization.

Arnold is credited with helping launch an initiative that donated more than 10,000 computers and other digital equipment throughout the community.

“The award is given to individuals who exemplify their commitment to diversity, equality [and] fairness to everybody in their work life and in their personal life as well … they’re individuals who have done something for the community,” says Zone Fisher.

Working in partnership with the PCs for People organization, the individuals who work on the initiative encourage corporations and companies in the area to donate old computers, which are then refurbished and given to students who need them for remote learning.

Fred Nance, global managing partner of Squire Patton Boggs, and Bill Lacey, president and CEO of GE Lighting, also contributed to the program’s success. Those three community leaders are encouraging other Cleveland area companies to become involved as well.

Addressing the digital divide — or the lack of connectivity in underserved and often disadvantaged neighborhoods — is one of the key issues facing education, opportunity and workforce development, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

“During COVID-19, and after the murder that we all witnessed of George Floyd, Craig called out to the business community, and he rallied them,” Zone Fisher says. “His goal was to address the digital divide. It really affects poor people of color who do not have access to the internet, to laptops, to many things.”

The digital divide is an issue that Arnold talks about frequently, noting that it has grown in severity and became more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Given what’s happened today in terms of remote learning and remote work and given what’s happened more broadly in society, specifically around systemic racism, this was absolutely an important issue to weigh in on in the business community and try and make a difference,” says Arnold.

Nance points to the digital divide as well.

“In Cuyahoga County, there is a divide for those who have access to the internet. When our Cleveland school children started to learn remotely, as many as 50% did not have that access,” he says.

“When you support our work, you are helping a new generation of students and future leaders embrace their differences and become change agents for inclusion and diversity in our region,” said Arnold when receiving the Craig Arnold Fred Nance Peggy Zone Fisher award. “We are fortunate to continue impacting the youth of Northeast Ohio alongside longtime community partners such as Eaton. And your sponsorship[s] will allow us the opportunity to empower more than 10,000 youth and educators in 11 counties during the 2022-2023 academic year.” Arnold also credited the Diversity Center when receiving the award. “The Diversity Center has addressed the problems that have plagued our city for decades. It is because of their efforts that I remain hopeful that one day we will create the diverse and equal community we deserve,” he said. “I am asking the business community to do more to lift up others.” If you’d like to help the Diversity Center but don’t have an old computer laying around, there’s an event just around the corner to mark on your calendar. The Diversity Center is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Walk, Rock, Roll and Run event on May 7. The fundraiser features a 1- or 3-mile walk and a 5K run. It can be attended virtually or in-person at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Contact the Diversity Center at 216-752-3000 or visit diversitycenterneo.org. 