Sitting, typing away at the computer while drinking his delicious coffee a man sits at the new Internet Café. E-go, located on 2320 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, managed by Ron L. Stephenson. This new Internet café may become essential to individuals who don’t have access to technology in their neighborhoods or homes. Therefore, this café aims to develop numerous relationships within the community. Recently the manager and customers of Café. E-go were interviewed on what their perspectives are on how Café. E-go will do in the future and its status now.

While sitting down to talk, Mr. Stephenson said that the goal of the Internet café “is to narrow that digital divide that will help African Americans become more comfortable and knowledgeable about technology.” He mentioned that their company is a non- profit organization and that all funding comes from the United House Of Prayer, which is the church that is located right next door. “I am the person responsible for this vision with the full support of the United House of Prayer, I was able to bring this vision into reality.” He then was asked how his idea for an Internet café came about, “I travel a lot domestically and internationally and I had the opportunity to see similar business models. After seeing the benefit of an Internet service I thought I could combine excellent coffee and computer service into a successful business model for the Harlem community,” He then added, “if people are looking for an escape from day to day frustrations or looking for an option to research or email communications, looking for a good cup of coffee, free computer training, and finally information, which is factual on diseases or sicknesses Café. E-go is a wonderful option.” As you can see there are many reasons why people should come and check the place out.

A tall slim African American male, with a slight frown on his forehead sat in the corner of the café, he looked preoccupied, intensively typing away at his keyboard. The gentleman’s name is Eugene King, Café.E-go has become a favorite hangout of his and the service suits him just fine. Mr. King agreed to share why he liked the Internet café, “It is convenient. Prices are very competitive and fair and the fact that it is in the community that I live in. I spent a lot of time at Kinkos and here, I feel welcome and since I am around all black people, it is welcoming to be here.” He also expressed why he feels that companies like this one is so important, “the fact that it is a black owned and operated business is significant to me. I feel as a black man that I have a duty to participate economically and invest my funds with black businesses during these uncertain economic times.”

Mr. Stephenson has aspirations about the future of his company, “In another year or two we will outgrow this facility and we will look to expand. The expansion will be predicated on the need to provide this community with more rapid computer training and development. The demand for the computer services will also increase. In ten years there is a real possibility that Café. E-go will expand beyond the Harlem community, city of New York, state of New York, and transcend throughout the country.”

Access to technology will ultimately impact the future generations of African American children that live and attend school in Harlem. Since many minority children are not exposed to technology everyday, they are less likely to use them in everyday life. The more they are exposed to technology, the more it will be used successfully in the future.
It is essential to have companies like Café.E-go right in the heart of Harlem. .“You see a lot of building of relationships. Its not about getting rich financially, it is getting rich through relationships,” said Mr. Stephenson. The type of Technology offered at Café. E-go can become a stepping-stone for anyone, especially African Americans who want to do something with their lives, but are lacking some of the essentials they need to succeed.