The Digital Dream: Building a Safe and Connected Community for All

As hundreds of thousands of us prepare to walk down Martin Luther King Drive for one of the largest marches in the nation, we carry with us Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community. In San Antonio, DreamWeek reminds us that this dream is not just about where we walk, but how we care for one another in every space we inhabit, including digital ones. The theme for DreamWeek 2026 is “Revelations: Unlocking Our Full Potential.” As a Digital Navigator, I believe that unlocking our potential begins with feeling secure. For seniors seeking companionship online and for children exploring new ideas, the internet should be a place of opportunity, not fear. In a world focused on the latest gadgets, my work remains rooted in being person-oriented. Whether I am helping a senior navigate the vulnerable waters of online dating or supporting a parent in protecting their child’s digital footprint, my goal is to ensure that technology serves our humanity, not the other way around.

[Antoinette “Toni” Lakey is a San Antonio–based Digital Navigator, community leader, and storyteller who believes access to technology begins with human connection.]