Yes, it exists-ourspace-a MySpace type place for people of color. So I’m asking you this, “Is MySpace.com for Caucasians? And Facebook.com? Who is it for?”For the satisfaction of my curiosity, I signed up on OurSpace.com. Same ole’ thing! Name, date of birth, sex, location, etc. A special requirement is that you need to enter a school provided e-mail address.
Remember when Facebook was fresh on the scene? You needed to enter your gram.edu e-mail address. Then, it was opened up to the general public and became more widespread. Now it is a necessity to some of us.
After successfully signing up to interact with my fellow people of color, I was greeted by Kenny. Kenny is grinning at me. He is my first added friend and is conveniently situated on the left side of my screen. But this is a welcome that I know I have seen before.
Remember Tom? From MySpace.com? Tom is the one who started it all off and reaped huge benefits from the project. When there is a problem, you contact Tom, and he is Mr. Fixerupper-he mends it all.
Well, Mr. Kenny Clash is the same. He is the president and co-founder of OurSpace.com. According to information provided by the site, he graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy. He also earned a music degree at the University of Virginia. So Kenny is well equipped for the task.
In an interview with him, he stated that his goal for the site is “to become the premiere place for African Americans.
“It is not a media company,” he confirms. “It is a place to call home.”
The site debuted on Sept. 17, as part of the Urban Communication Co. The site is now opened to 20 schools: Florida A&M University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, Morehouse College, Bowie State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T University, Southern University, Spelman College, Texas Southern University, Bethune Cookman University, Delaware State University, and Fayetteville State University.
Over the coming months, OurSpace.com will open up to 20 to 30 more schools and to alumni and individuals interested in “African American culture.”
In discussing future plans, Clash asked that the GSU family log on to the Web site and give feedback.
“In 2009, OurSpace.com will become the premier location for African Americans on the Internet,” he said.
OurSpace.com claims to be “an online social location that provides African Americans a superior way to connect with others who share similar experiences and perspectives.”
So, if you’re eager to experience a superior way to connect to others, I invite you to join OurSpace.com.