This article looks to examples of how to embrace AI and ensure its role in creating a lasting, influential presence.
In the past year, it’s been nearly impossible to ignore the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has positioned itself as the next frontier in technology, poised to revolutionize our lives in ways we are only beginning to comprehend. Its transformative power is undeniably rapid, pushing the boundaries of our imagination and challenging our preconceived notions of what life can become. This is a time when billions of dollars are being funneled into AI-driven companies, presenting a dual-edged sword – the potential to level the playing field for marginalized communities while also harboring the risk of deepening the marginalization of people of color.
The history of technology’s promises for Black communities has too often yielded disappointment and further marginalization. It’s a narrative that dates back to the first technological revolution, rooted in agriculture, from which Black people were excluded due to the horrors of chattel slavery. Next, the Industrial Revolution followed, marked by the enduring legacy of Jim Crow Laws and its practices that systematically favored white individuals and oppressed Black communities in every facet of American life.
The information revolution ushered in the Digital Age and brought unimaginable communication, biotechnology, and computing advances. However, as we transition into what we might term the Intellectual Age, where the value of intellectual property supersedes that of tangible assets, we find ourselves mainly missing out on the significant opportunities presented by past technological revolutions.
But seizing these opportunities isn’t merely about sitting at the AI table. It’s about leveraging the transformative power of AI to reshape our narrative and influence the trajectory of technology. AI has the potential to perpetuate biases that have persisted for centuries. Yet, Black communities must not limit their role to being mere AI police or ethical watchdogs. We must integrate ourselves fully into the world of AI, contributing our intellectual property at every level of its development.
In this journey, we can draw inspiration from the story of John Henry, the strong Black worker who famously defeated a steam-powered drill during the late 19th-century railroad-building era, even at the cost of his own life. Ultimately, the mechanized drill displaced hundreds of Black laborers. John Henry’s story should remain a source of pride for African Americans, a story of Strength and resilience.
Still, it is also a cautionary tale of what happens when we fail to adapt to the technology of the era. This is why harnessing AI to dramatically enhance human capabilities while addressing potential threats is so important. This means demanding a prominent, lasting, and influential presence at the AI table, ensuring that our communities do not just participate but significantly influence the future of AI and technology.
Remember, the future is yours –Be Inspired!
