Celebrating Atlanta’s Black Storytellers

Comcast recognizes ‘Champions of Change’ influencers, who uplift the local multicultural community

At its Central Division headquarters, Comcast recently hosted ‘Champions of Change: A Salute to Atlanta Black Media’ – a purpose-driven event to honor the city’s leading storytellers and create connections beyond the company’s Internet connectivity.

“At Comcast, we are guided by purpose and are intentional about championing diverse voices. Through our innovative spirit and products, our customers have easy access to inclusive programming, through fast Internet and mobile connectivity that fuels your everyday life. We know that our network transforms lives one connection at a time.”

Christine Whitaker, Comcast Central Division President

According to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s State of Black Georgia report, minorities are expected to make up more than 50 percent of Georgia’s population by 2030. The event encouraged open dialogue about amplifying diverse storytelling and the importance of Internet access in multicultural communities to receive, create and integrate those stories into their lives.

In discussion was how the company’s nationwide Project UP program, with a $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity, can help connect big and small cities across metro Atlanta with Internet access. With its work to close the digital divide, the company partners with trusted community organizations that offer free digital access and online learning resources in addition to laptop donations, grants and other means of support.

Comcast’s Investment in Atlanta

Comcast has invested $2.8 billion in Georgia in the past three years, including capital expenditures and charitable giving. This year alone, Comcast partnered with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs and donated $1 million to growing, scaling, and developing Black Entrepreneurs. Comcast has also donated $5 million over the next three years to CodePath to create a career center offering one-on-one coaching and mentorships while also developing a diverse generation of technologists through information technology courses and support services.

“Atlanta is at the interesting intersection where emerging technology is met with an important echo chamber for multicultural audiences and influential voices. Comcast’s continual innovation and investment in our network support local creators and newsmakers, who make an indelible impact in our community, as well as our customers who depend on us for a safer, faster and more reliable online connection.”

Sophia Marshall, Senior Vice President of Communications for Comcast Central Division

Several Comcast Central Division leaders attended the event, including Division President Christine Whitaker, Senior Vice President of Communications Sophia Marshall, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Toni Murphy, Director of Community Investments Amy Wright, and Vice President of Network Operations Coleman Oglesbee. Black content creators, social media influencers and media outlets that joined included The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Daily World, V103, Hot 107.9 , Fox 5 Atlanta, Rolling Out and many other prominent local voices.

The Champions of Change: A Salute to Atlanta Black Media shared information about the following products and initiatives:

• Xumo Stream Box – a 4K streaming device, offered to Xfinity Internet customers at no additional monthly cost, that brings together the best of live TV and streaming into one simple, intuitive experience.
• Project UP – Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
• Xfinity Mobile – Xfinity Mobile is a powerful nationwide network with 5G & millions of secure WiFi Hotspots.

In addition to Champions of Change, read about our Changemakers event in Atlanta to learn more about the future of tech and entertainment in the city.