AI for Community explores the transformative potential of technology to bridge cultural divides and responsibly preserve cultural heritage, while thoughtfully considering how to ensure fairness without any ideological or cultural bias. It acknowledges the need for careful scrutiny of traditions so that artificial intelligence (AI) systems can promote comprehensive cultural understanding. This approach underscores the promise of AI as a tool for human flourishing.
Authored by a multigenerational, multicultural team, this book presents real-world examples and ethical insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply human-centered. It introduces pioneering projects like the Indigenous Knowledge Graph, which documented ancestral wisdom; Howard Universitys Project Elevate Black Voices, funded by Google, which enhanced speech recognition for African American Vernacular English (AAVE); and Laleh AI, which posthumously preserves the insights of a progressive female Islamic thinker. Also, initiatives like UNESCOs work on cultural heritage preservation and NVIDIAs collaboration with Te Hiku Media to safeguard the Maori language showcase AIs vital role in reviving endangered languages.
This book interweaves "Community Voices" sections between chapters, featuring interviews that explore the role and implementation of AI in new arenas. Each chapter is also supported by online resources, accessible as podcasts, videos, and articles, that provide multimedia ways to deepen understanding of culturally aware AI.
AI for Community
highlights how community-driven language preservation, storytelling, and inclusive design can empower cultures and protect their heritage. This book is a vital resource for those seeking to create AI that respects and uplifts communities.
AI for Community examines how technology can bridge cultural divides while considering what it means to preserve culture responsibly and human flourishing. It is a vital resource for those seeking to create AI that respects and uplifts communities, and to empower diverse cultures and protect their heritage
Introduction
1. Embedding Cultural Heritage into AI
2. Shaping and Uplifting AI Innovation in Black Communities
3. The Role of AI in Language Preservation and Revitalization
4. Building Trustworthy and Culturally Intelligent AI
5. Human Agency and AI
6. Key AI Concepts for Communities Conclusion: Honoring Roots, Shaping the Future
Iran Davar Ardalan is a leading AI Strategist, where she contributes to AI research in the civil sector. Formerly the founder of TulipAI, Ardalan is known for her expertise in Responsible AI, merging AI tools with creative content generation and developing AIdriven solutions such as custom GPTs and virtual assistants. Her career includes leadership roles at National Geographic, NPR News, and the White House Presidential Innovation Fellowship program, where she championed data and AI and health initiatives. Her research in cultural intelligence, which focuses on AIs role in preserving culture, nature, history, and wisdom, was featured in the New York Times in March 2022.
Amir Banifatemi is an accomplished technology executive and strategist with over 25 years of experience in AI and emerging technology ventures. As chief innovation officer at XPRIZE and cofounder of the AI for Good Global Summit, Banifatemi has driven humancentered AI advancement. His work with the AI Commons and the Global Partnership on AIs Responsible AI group reflects his dedication to promoting AI as a tool for public empowerment.
Fernando Gonzalez is a professor and chair of the Department of Computing and Software Engineering at Florida Gulf Coast University. His background is in automation, starting with the intelligent control of automated systems such as manufacturing systems and the U.S. electric power grid to the automation of software tasks through the use of intelligent agents for the Semantic Web. His work in the U.S. Department of Energy and various academic institutions underscores his commitment to advancing AI in ways that benefit society.
Myles Ingram is the founder and CEO of MylesAI Consulting, specializing in developing conversational agents for clients across multiple industries. Holding a bachelors in biophysics from Harvard University and a masters in data science from Columbia University, he advocates for the ethical implementation of AI technologies. While at Harvard, he was particularly interested in classics and Latinsubjects that earned him acceptance into the Georgia Governors Honors Program during high school. Before founding his company, Myles worked at Columbia University Medical Center, publishing AI models for cancer treatment and public health. He also advises AIbased startups in the academic research sector and presents his research at global conferences like the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.
Reza Moradinezhad is an assistant teaching professor of computer science at Drexel University College of Computing and Informatics and a former AI scientist at TulipAI. His research focuses on designing trustworthy and effective interaction techniques for humanAI collaboration, particularly with embodied virtual agents (EVAs). Recognized for his contributions to AI research, his work spans collaborations with institutions such as the MIT Media Lab and Harvard University.
Lucretia Williams is a senior research scientist at Howard Universitys HumanCentered AI Institute. Her work focuses on the lived experiences of underrepresented communities, examining how emerging technologies can improve their access to systems that traditionally overlook their needs. Specializing in designing and evaluating culturally responsive health technologies for underrepresented communities, Williams research spans international borders. She is one of the first Black women to earn a PhD in informatics at the University of California, Irvine, and is a cofounder of an AIbased startup.
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