CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
AI and incorporate these into their teaching and research. Moreover, working with corporations and foundations to establish endowed chairs in AI will attract top talent to HBCUs, further enhancing academic and research capabilities. Promoting Equity through AI Excellence The field of AI has been dominated by a small and narrow demographic, leading to biases in AI systems that can perpetuate inequality. By becoming leaders in AI, HBCUs can ensure that more African Americans and other underrepresented populations are involved in AI development. This diverse representation is essential for creating AI systems that are unbiased and that address the unique needs of diverse communities. For example, AI algorithms used in healthcare, criminal justice, and hiring processes must be designed with an awareness of racial biases to prevent perpetuating systemic
discrimination.
of the most important issues facing marginalized
Research and Innovation Hubs HBCUs can establish research centers dedicated to AI, focusing on cutting-edge research and innovation. These centers can focus on exploring the ethical implications of using AI in society. By attracting research funding from government agencies, the private sector, and philanthropic foundations, HBCUs can foster powerful advancements in AI. Howard University’s collaboration with Google Research to establish an AI research center is a great example of how HBCUs can become key players in AI innovation. Faculty Development and Recruitment To build a strong AI program, it is essential to recruit and retain faculty with expertise in AI and related fields. HBCUs, with investments from foundations and corporations, can offer professional development opportunities for their faculty, enabling them to stay aware of the latest developments in
communities. For instance, AI can be used to analyze and address health disparities and improve educational outcomes. By focusing on research that directly benefits Black communities, HBCUs can ensure that AI is used as a tool for social good rather than one that perpetuates inequities. Ethical AI Development As AI becomes increasingly prominent in society, ethical considerations are vital. HBCUs can lead the way in developing ethical AI frameworks that emphasize transparency, accountability, and equity. By incorporating ethical training into their AI programs, HBCUs can produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also committed to using AI responsibly. This approach can help prevent the misuse of AI and ensure that its benefits are distributed equitably. HBCUs have the potential to become centers of excellence in artificial intelligence, driving both academic and societal advancements. By focusing on AI education, research, and ethical development, HBCUs can ensure that underrepresented communities have a role in AI innovation. This type of leadership is crucial for promoting equity, economic empowerment, and social justice in an increasingly technology- driven world. Marybeth Gasman is the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. She also serves as the Associate Dean for Research. She is the author of HBCU: The Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (with Levon Esters, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024).
Economic Empowerment AI is poised to revolutionize numerous industries, creating significant economic opportunities. Unfortunately, experts predict that AI could widen the racial economic gap in the U.S. by $43 billion. HBCUs must play a vital role in ensuring that African American communities are not left behind in these technological advances. By providing students with the skills to excel in AI, HBCUs can help bridge the economic gap and empower their graduates to secure high-paying jobs in the tech industry. Moreover, fostering entrepreneurship in AI can empower HBCU graduates to create their own startups, driving economic growth within Black communities. Addressing Social Challenges HBCUs have a long history of addressing social challenges
and advocating for justice. By leveraging AI, they can develop solutions to some
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