Festival goers can access the Internet, Blog, Facebook , Twitter, and stream video from targeted locations at Umoja
Aug 5, 2011
Johnson City, TN – Aug. 5, 2011 – CenturyLink is partnering with Umoja Festival to provide wireless High-speed Internet to a seven and one-half block area of downtown Johnson City. Umoja patrons and volunteers can access the Internet to do everything from surf the Net, blog, access FaceBook, Twitter, and stream video. CenturyLink has made it possible for visitors to stay connected while enjoying the excitement of the Umoja Festival.
Umoja is a Swahili word meaning unity, or to be in harmony and of one accord, to combine and to include all. The Festival began in 1978 as a Unity Picnic at Carver Recreational Center and has grown to a regional event that is expected to attract around 30,000 people this year. Umoja is about the Tri-Cities area developing a community united in every way, including respecting and valuing people as individuals. It is about creating understanding and respect for each group’s history, traditions and contributions to American history—what makes us what we are today. the festival is in its 15th year.
The 2011 event will be held August 12 and 13 in downtown Johnson City. From an opening ceremony “Call to Drums” on Friday at 3 p.m. to a youth stage, parade, gospel fest, car show, 5k road race, film festival and a “Shaka workshop at Hands on Museum,” there is something for everyone.
One “must see” attraction—for the young and the old and the in betweeners—is brought to you by CenturyLink. Each day of the festival at the Market Street Stage and Main Stage areas. The word on the street is that this event will be one you not only will want to see, but will want to be part of. It’s fun for the light-hearted, free-spirited, weak-at-heart, those who just love life, and those who enjoy a good laugh. Don’t miss it!
“We are proud to once again partner with Umoja to provide wireless high-speed Internet; the same service our customers can get at their home,” said Lottie Ryans, CenturyLink vice President. “CenturyLink is all about connecting people to those they want to be connected to—at home, work and play. Umoja is a good fit as CenturyLink’s values point to respect for all people as individuals. That is what Umoja is about—creating understanding and respect for divergent people.”
Ralph Davis with the Umoja Unity Committee spoke to the value of having high speed Internet accessible during the festival. “Wireless high-speed access will improve festival patrons’ experience exponentially. Media and patrons can stream video from any loction to capture various festival activities to share with friends—and the world. We are appreciative of CenturyLink’s ongoing partnership with Umoja.”
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States. The company provides broadband, voice and wireless services to consumers and businesses across the country and advanced entertainment services under the CenturyLinkTM PrismTM TV and DIRECTV brands. In addition, the company provides data, voice and managed services to business, government and wholesale customers in local, national and select international markets through its high-quality advanced fiber optic network and multiple data centers. CenturyLink also is recognized as a leader in the network services market by key technology industry analyst firms, and is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprises through Savvis, a CenturyLink company. CenturyLink’s customers range from Fortune 500 companies in some of the country’s largest cities to families living in rural America. Headquartered in Monroe, La., CenturyLink is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporations. For more information, visit www.centurylink.com.
For further information: Patricia H. Elmore, 888-999-7756, pat.elmore@centurylink.com
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