Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, learn, create and build businesses. The question is no longer whether AI will impact our communities, but how we will engage with it and whether we will have a role in shaping what comes next.
On September 5, Sister Spokesman and the Minnesota CHILL Foundation brought North Minneapolis together for “The AI Era: What to Know and How to Use It” at the NorthPoint Conference Center. The event created an accessible space for community members to explore the possibilities of AI while having honest conversations about the challenges that come with it.
Throughout the gathering, attendees explored practical ways AI can support careers, entrepreneurship and everyday tasks. From creating business materials and organizing information to preparing for job opportunities and improving productivity, the conversation focused on helping people see AI as a tool they can learn, experiment with and use intentionally.
The discussion also went deeper, addressing concerns that cannot be ignored. Privacy, misinformation, racial bias and the information used to develop AI systems were all part of the conversation. Attendees were encouraged to think critically about how technology affects Black communities and why representation and accountability matter as AI continues to evolve.
Education and young people were another important focus. The conversation examined both the opportunities AI can create for students and the concern that overreliance on technology could replace important skills and critical thinking. Rather than choosing between embracing AI or restricting it, the discussion highlighted the importance of learning how to use it responsibly.
Most importantly, the event created room for curiosity. People could ask questions, share concerns, consider new possibilities and begin figuring out what AI means for their own careers, businesses and families.
The AI era is already here. Events like this ensure Black communities are not simply watching the future unfold, but actively learning how to participate in it, question it and help shape what comes next.
Sister Spokesman event asks how Black communities can shape the AI era
