AI and Faith Unite at Juneteenth Event in Detroit Church

At Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple this Juneteenth, worship and innovation will intersect as the church hosts the Second Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study — a unique event merging artificial intelligence (AI) education with the spiritual guidance of the Black church. Organized by the Black Churches 4 Digital Equity Coalition, the event aims to equip Black communities with essential knowledge and skills for the AI-driven workforce, positioning the church as both a spiritual and digital leader.

Dr. Fallon Wilson, policy vice president at the Multicultural Media and Telecommunication Internet Council, emphasized the historical role churches have played in mobilizing communities. She sees churches as key venues for introducing complex tech topics in culturally grounded ways. The program is designed to be intergenerational, bringing together grandmothers, teens, clergy, and tech experts to discuss algorithmic bias, workforce readiness, and AI ethics.

Special guests include Rep. Rashida Tlaib and leaders from the Black Tech Futures Research Institute and Black Tech Saturdays. While elders contribute cultural insights that can shape more inclusive data sets, younger participants will explore AI’s hidden costs — including environmental impact and labor issues — and how to responsibly use the technology in academic settings.

The event stresses the need for Black communities not only to engage with AI as consumers but to lead as creators. Wilson urges the community to “find our Black excellence” in AI, making sure cultural heritage is part of the technological future. This initiative not only honors Juneteenth but also fosters long-term empowerment through digital literacy.

For more details, refer to the original article on Word in Black.