I recently attended the ChatBlackGPT launch event which I learned about through my LinkedIn network. ChatBlackGPT is a newly created “AI chatbot dedicated to offering insights and perspectives rooted in Black, African American and African information sources” according to its website. It was created and founded by Erin Reddick a Culture Technologist. For me, a DEI professional who has been thinking about and advising on the intersection of AI and DEI, this new chatbot is, dare I say, revolutionary. (Learn more about Erin’s story here)
Just knowing that there is a ChatGPT tech tool out there that focuses on the black experience made me giddy with joy. Although I am tuned into how we can ensure equitable and bias free creation, evolution, usage and results generated through AI, I must admit, I was excited that someone went beyond that to create the same function but from the Black perspective. I imagined that this must have been what it was like when the black community first learned that there were colleges created specifically for their access to learning after having been excluded from predominantly white higher ed institutions. AI is changing the way we do things at work and in our personal lives and it’s happening rapidly! Why wouldn’t we also think about creating a Black-focused area in this vast technological space?
For clarity, let me explain the way things exist right now and why ChatBlackGPT is generating so much excitement. In the most basic terms, the platform that we know as ChatGPT(4) is one that was created similarly to other technological products that we know – in predominantly white, male spaces by men who work on advancements in technology. Because of this background and perspective, most technology centers the white, male, techie experience which is not everyone’s perspective or experience. It also means that data/information collected, sources for data/information, algorithms generated and outcomes delivered are also based in this perspective and experience. By default, the tech that gets produced is biased to this perspective and experience. This is why you might be hearing about how A.I. would benefit from a DEI intersection at every stage.
After pondering what ChatBlackGPT could mean to everyone, and not just the Black community, I realized that ChatBlackGPT could change the game. By combing the vast informational world and tapping into reputable and ethically based information sources that are grounded in the Black perspective, collating this very specific information in response to questions and prompts about Blackness and/or being black in society, this technology is in turn generating additional information available to the masses. This means that it appears more often in the vast informational space which might then make it more readily apparent to ChatGPT. Do you see where my mind is going here? I’m thinking about inclusion, data and informational integrity, and diversity of data and information. Just by having a ChatBlackGPT in the existence, it changes what one might call the mainstream technology experience.
I don’t know Erin. We’ve never met but I see where this could go with her and how she thinks about AI capability. It could change the AI game and it’s still early stages. I encourage you to learn about AI and to begin to tinker with the AI that is available to us. To help with your assignment, I will be co-authoring with Sarah Gaines, the Founder and Principal at June Consulting, some articles about AI and DEI. Please feel free to use our future posts to complement your AI learning.
4 thoughts on “Changing A.I. with ChatBlackGPT”
The introduction of ChatBlackGPT is a groundbreaking development in the AI landscape, offering a much-needed perspective rooted in Black, African American, and African experiences. Erin Reddick’s visionary creation is not just a tool but a revolutionary step towards inclusivity and diversity in technology. It is thrilling to see an AI that challenges the predominantly white, male-centric tech environment and provides a platform that highlights the Black experience. This innovation promises to enhance the richness and integrity of data available to all, fostering a more equitable and inclusive digital world. The excitement surrounding ChatBlackGPT is well-deserved, as it signifies a significant leap towards a more diverse and representative technological future.
Thank you so much Dr. Jackson for your comment. I agree. It is groundbreaking and it will influence the data available to all. It is the type of innovation that brings about change in our society from a DEI standpoint. Let’s spread the word!
What an insightful post. I think this could be a game changer. I consider myself a DEIB expert and I was not aware of it. My question is will this work if you are presenting in predominately white spaces or what would you modify? I always bring my DEIB lens into the space but that is not saying everyone is open to it or appreciates it!
Thank you Dr. McCarty-Harris for your comment. In answer to your question, in my opinion, yes. The technology is there so it depends on how you use it. One of the things that I love about what Erin has done to make the case for ChatBlackGPT is that she shows a side-by-side comparison of the results generated from a question/prompt entered in both ChatGPT and ChatBlackGPT. The differences are undeniable. I think something like this could be quite effective in predominantly white spaces. She also demonstrates how ChatBlackGPT can be used by a non-Black user to learn more about the Black perspective. It’s quite remarkable and applicable to predominantly white spaces.