(BALTIMORE – June 17, 2025) – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the future—it’s the present. It’s in our phones, our workplaces, our homes—and yes, it’s steadily moving into schools and classrooms. While I’m excited about the advancements AI offers, I’m equally concerned that conversations around AI and education in our communities are either delayed, dismissed, or dominated by fear.
Now, I understand that based on this country’s history, the Black community has cause to be cautious about emerging systems—especially those created without us in mind. From discriminatory testing practices to biased surveillance tech, we’ve seen how “innovation” can sometimes translate into new tools for our oppression. But we cannot afford to let justified caution keep us on cruise control.
AI isn’t just another educational fad. It represents a fundamental shift in how learning happens, work gets done, and success is defined. The stakes couldn’t be higher in Black and Brown communities, where students already face systemic barriers to success. The question isn’t whether AI will transform education—it already does. The question is whether our communities will be part of shaping that transformation or victims of it.
When (not if) Artificial Intelligence literacy becomes as fundamental as traditional literacy, students without access to AI education will find themselves locked out of entire career paths and economic opportunities. Our school systems are often underfunded, under-resourced, and overwhelmed. We already fight daily battles against inequitable access to the opportunities and resources our students deserve. Without proactive, intentional inclusion of AI in our communities and schools, we risk widening the achievement gap even further.
Top 4 Reasons for Intentional AI Inclusion in Our Communities & Schools
1. AI Makes Learning Personal and Powerful
AI can provide customized learning pathways for every student. Whether a student is advanced or behind in a subject, AI can adjust and support their growth in real time.
2. It Supports, Not Replaces, Educators
Educators in Black and Brown schools are overwhelmed. AI can automate grading, suggest lesson plans, and help manage student data—freeing up time for teachers to actually teach, mentor, and build relationships with students and families.
3. Job-Readiness Starts Now
The fastest-growing jobs are AI-integrated. If our kids aren’t exposed to AI tools early, they won’t be ready for the jobs of tomorrow, such as coding, robotics, data science, and more.
4. We Must Lead, Not Just Consume
Our communities are too often consumers, not creators. That must change. We need our students to build the next ChatGPT, AI app, and tech breakthrough.
If we don’t get ahead of the AI curve, we’ll be buried beneath it. We cannot afford to sit this one out!
