AI and Entrepreneurship: Empowering the Black Community

Why AI Adaption Lags In Black Communities

Historical systemic inequities, such as underfunded schools and digital redlining, have created barriers to accessing cutting-edge technologies like AI, making them appear irrelevant and out of reach for Black communities.

The Role of Mosaic Method Agency

Mosaic Method Agency aims to change the narrative surrounding AI by providing education and making it accessible through trusted community partnerships, such as HBCUs, churches, and community centers.

"We're taking a ground-up approach to dismantling barriers, rather than waiting for traditional tech education to reach our communities," says founder Keisha McCotry.

Cultural Context and AI Adoption

Keisha McCotry emphasizes the importance of framing AI through the lens of entrepreneurship, generational wealth building, and creative expression to increase engagement and understanding within the Black community.

"When we show how AI can amplify existing strengths and traditions of innovation, we see immediate shifts in engagement and understanding," she says.

AI as a Career Catalyst

McCotry challenges the fear of AI replacing jobs and urges a shift in perspective to seeing AI as a "Career amplifier."

"AI democratizes access to advanced capabilities, allowing Black professionals to enhance their skills and compete effectively," McCotry notes.

Wealth Creation Through AI

The Mosaic Method Agency focuses on fostering entrepreneurship in the AI space, encouraging micro-innovations that address everyday problems and scale into businesses.

"Black entrepreneurs are using AI to break into industries that have historically had massive barriers to entry," McCotry says.

Bridging the Divide

Collaboration with organizations like HBCUs, nonprofits, and tech companies is crucial for bridging the tech divide, particularly for younger generations.

Key Areas of AI Literacy

Keisha McCotry emphasizes the importance of ethical AI understanding, practical application skills, and strategic thinking for long-term success and impact.

Shaping an AI-Ready Future

Mosaic Method advocates for the "three E's": Education, Entrepreneurship, and Equity ownership, to position the Black community as leaders in the AI space.

"We want our community to think beyond using AI tools to create AI solutions that address our unique challenges and opportunities," McCotry says.

Balancing Advancement with Ethics

Keisha McCotry stresses the responsibility of Black leaders in AI to promote ethical AI development.

"Our community's historical experience positions us uniquely to identify and address potential AI biases," she says.

"We're not just users of AI; we're its conscience and its critics." By embracing this role, Mosaic Method seeks to create AI systems that reflect the values and serve the needs of all communities.