Anita Brown is founder and chairman of Black Geeks Online, a nonprofit community organization based on the Internet. This grassroots movement grew out of Ms. Brown's concern in 1995 that people of color would be left out of the so-called digital revolution. Ms. Brown began organizing on the Internet in 1995 when the World Wide Web was only in its infancy. For five years she has built credibility with her "Miss DC" and "Black Geeks" brands, using e-mail as "push technology." From 18 charter members in 1996, Black Geeks Online has grown to more than 25,000 registered members in November 1999.

Through its offline program, "Taking IT to the Streets," the members demonstrate culturally-sensitive ways to bridge the "digital divide." They set up cyberlabs in the 'hood, share success stories, and encourage people of color to train for IT careers and/or business ownership. Their widely forwarded Heads-UP email bulletins serve as an information clearinghouse and cheering section for Black technologists, netpreneurs, and community tech leaders.