For marginalized groups, the Internet is a powerful vehicle for equal opportunity and empowerment. It creates social change by allowing people to speak for themselves without having to convince large media companies that their voices are worthy of being heard.

That’s why civil rights groups and social justice organizations are standing up for Net Neutrality, the principle that protects the free flow of communications online. Over twenty-five organizations sent a letter today urging the FCC to adopt a strong Net Neutrality rule to protect the open Internet.

These organizations, including ColorofChange.org, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and the National Association of Independent Latino Producers, get it: They know that Net Neutrality has created a level playing field where everyone has a voice and where groups can share information, coordinate their efforts and mobilize effectively for change.

The letter states:

Communities of color and other under-represented groups have long fought for a more diverse and inclusive media system. Discrimination and segregation prevented people of color from obtaining radio or TV licenses when these media were first created. Cable TV promised to be a real alternative for those seeking more diverse programming; it didn't happen that way. Now, many of these very same companies want to control the Internet by selecting the online content, applications and services that Internet users can access.

Read the entire letter and view the list of signatories.