NEW NET BUILDING BRIDGE WITH HISTORICALLY BLACK CAMPUSES

The OMIK Amateur Radio Association has launched the first of its Tuesday night nets designed to build connections with Historically Black College and Universities throughout the US. The ham radio organization was originally created in August of 1952 as a welcoming group for Black amateurs seeking membership without having to face discrimination. OMIK eventually hopes to extend its expertise and the hand of friendship to many of the more than 100 historically Black US campuses and their faculty, alumni, parents and students.

Net check-ins begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesdays which is 0100 UTC Wednesday on the OMIK Conference server on Echolink.

The net is one part of the group's emerging commitment to the campuses. For OMIK members, the goal will ultimately bring opportunities to provide service and make connections across the generations. On-campus visits - and even on-air activations - will help students gain mentors in STEM and STEAM learning and, of course, amateur radio.

Net controller Jesse Alexander WB2IFS, the developer of the program, said the net is just the beginning.