Join Upgrade Cambridge at a screening of “Dividing Lines: Why is Internet Access Still a Luxury in America?” on June 21st, 7:30 PM, at the Central Square Branch of the Cambridge Public Library. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion involving the filmmaker and local digital equity advocates.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Maria Smith will be unable to attend this night’s event. Her film and the panel discussion will happen as planned.

Maria Smith, an affiliate of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society and Harvard Law School, created Dividing Lines to highlight the stark divides, uncover the complex web of political and economic forces behind them, and challenge audiences to imagine a future in which quality internet access is as ubiquitous as electricity. In Cambridge, census data show the reality of these stark divides. While virtually every high income household reports having broadband at home, only 50% of low income households say they have broadband. This leaves approximately 5000 of Cambridge’s poorest households cut off from what has become a necessity of modern life.

Panelists will include:

Dr. Colin Rhinesmith, an assistant professor in the School of Library and Information Science at Simmons and a faculty associate with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. Colin’s research and teaching interests are focused on the social, community, and policy aspects of information and communication technology, particularly in areas related to digital equity and community technology.

Anne Schwieger, the City of Boston’s Broadband & Digital Equity Advocate. Anne works with people across Boston to figure out how they can make broadband work better for everyone. Anne also has served on the City of Cambridge’s Broadband Task Force.