Despite its extensive integration and significant financial backing from key players in the technology sector, artificial intelligence (AI) still faces a major challenge regarding diversity.
To tackle this persistent issue, groups dedicated to diversity and inclusion are stepping up. One notable organization, Black Girls Code, is broadening its focus on AI as part of its overall mission to empower Black girls and other underrepresented communities with crucial tech skills. Recently, the nonprofit launched a new position — AI Expert-in-Residence — to promote a more deliberate and ethical approach to AI education.
“Most AI is developed in environments that favor profit over people, which leads to embedded biases and puts the same communities excluded from previous tech advancements at risk of being negatively affected yet again,” stated Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code, during an interview with Mashable. “Simply educating people on how to use AI isn’t sufficient; we must instruct them to be mindful of the tools they utilize. Who created it? What data influenced it? What principles does it embody? Particularly in community settings, AI education should inspire critical thinking rather than just clicking.”
The inaugural occupant of the AI Expert-in-Residence position is Dr. Avril Epps, a computational social scientist and co-founder of AI4Abolition. Epps also engages in community organizing, concentrating on enhancing AI literacy and creating open-source resources for Black and Indigenous women, queer individuals, and emerging youth leaders. She authored A Kids Book About AI Bias, aimed at helping younger audiences grasp the intricacies and potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
Earlier this year, Mancini discussed with Mashable the increasing significance of representation in technology and the organization’s dynamic curriculum. “As AI and other forthcoming technologies transform our reality, we continuously adapt and enhance our curriculum to empower our girls to be not only participants but also leaders in this technological shift,” she noted. “What happens when entire groups are absent from the discussions where these technologies are being financed, legislated, and developed?”
In January, Black Girls Code unveiled a new alliance with Latimer.AI, touted as the first large language model (LLM) built with “deep inclusion” datasets. As a result of this collaboration, Black Girls Code students — including those at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — now have unrestricted access to the Latimer.AI platform, providing them with invaluable practical experience with AI tools.
Looking to the future, Mancini indicated the organization intends to deepen the integration of AI within its programming. This will involve incorporating AI readiness into its national summer camps and establishing new partnerships with tech firms that prioritize inclusive and ethical innovation.
As AI continues to influence the future, organizations like Black Girls Code are striving to ensure that this future is constructed by — and for — all.