Black women in AI: Building a more inclusive and equitable future

As the debates over how artificial intelligence (AI) should be regulated intensify, one area of significant concern has been related to diversity and more equitably deployed systems. While many researchers are designing and exploring solutions to address the inherent inequalities in AI models, diversity matters and grounds theory into more realistic and fair practices for impacted populations. Black women experts, in particular, have significantly shaped both the discourse and interrogation of AI, from exposing racially exploitative AI models, to reimagining data quality and recommendations for public policy.  

On December 4, the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings hosted a discussion with Black women experts in AI, who shared their work and insights as well as discussed how to design and deploy more balanced, ethical, and diversely built and monitored AI systems. 

The panel also discussed the imperative of more inclusive AI design, the impact on vulnerable populations, and how democratized versions of AI must include leaders who understand the lived experiences of affected consumers. Nicol Turner Lee, Brookings senior fellow and CTI director, moderated the discussion, and gave a presentation on the Center’s new AI Equity Lab. 

Viewers submitted questions for speakers by emailing [email protected] or via Twitter at @BrookingsGov by using #EquitableAI.

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