Tag Archives: African Americans

Feature 2021

40. African Americans’ Contributions to the Modern Internet (Part 1) with Albert E. White



Through the years, a small handful of individuals have all taken credit for bringing us what we know as the modern internet. However, it is possible for more than one of those stories to be accurate, as the modern internet is the combination of several simultaneous discoveries made by a few pioneers, alliterating on the same idea of a more connected world. 

In fact, it is impossible to crown one singular person or entity with the discovery, as the internet was the work of dozens of pioneering scientists, programmers, and engineers who each developed new features and technologies that eventually merged to become the internet we know today. But with all of the credit and acclaim that has been paid to names like Licklider, Vinton Cerf, Bob Kahn, and Al Gore, little is known about the small group of African American businessmen who made a sizable contribution to bringing the internet to the masses. 

In this episode, Malcolm Ethridge is joined by Albert E. White, author of the new book, “Race For The Net,” which chronicles the events and experiences of his former organization, Network Solutions Inc., and the two years in the 90s where they controlled access to the internet. Malcolm and Albert dive into the history of technology and talk about some of the lesser-known African American pioneers who made contributions to the modern internet.

Albert discusses:

  • The contributions of African Americans  to the modern internet
  • Highlights from his book, “Race For The Net”
  • How his former organization convinced individuals and small businesses that the internet was something to be taken seriously
  • The reasons his former organization made the pivotal decision to sell Network Solutions Inc
  • And more!

Resources: 

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Connect with Malcolm Ethridge:

About Our Guest:

Albert E. White has been an advisor to some of the most successful CEOs in the country with over 30 years of business and finance experience. He has a broad area of expertise in technology, healthcare, energy, disaster services, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. He is a known visionary in identifying market niches. Albert has been the CEO of two energy companies and has been successful in growing businesses in both domestic and international markets.