News Summary
Community leaders will gather in Grand Rapids for the AI Summit focused on bias and ethical technology. Taking place at Grand Valley State University, the event will engage law enforcement, educators, and residents in discussions about AI’s impact on justice and equity. Kareem Scales, a civil rights advocate, leads the initiative, highlighting the need for addressing algorithmic bias. Keynote speaker Renée Cummings will stress the importance of ethical innovation. GVSU aims to prepare students for AI-related careers while ensuring ethical considerations are integrated into technological advancements.
Grand Rapids Gears Up for AI Summit to Tackle Bias and Ethical Technology
Community leaders will converge in Grand Rapids on Thursday, October 30, for the “Mastering the Matrix: AI, Innovation & Public Safety” summit, focusing on issues related to AI bias and ethical technology practices. The event will take place at the Grand Valley State University Eberhard Center, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free and open to the public, aiming to engage law enforcement, educators, civil rights leaders, technologists, and residents in discussions about how AI intersects with justice and equity.
Leading the initiative is Kareem Scales, CEO of Scales Consulting and a prominent figure in civil rights advocacy, having previously served as the executive director of the NAACP Grand Rapids chapter. Scales emphasizes the critical need for discussions on AI bias, particularly as studies show that algorithmic bias in AI leads to a 35% higher false positive rate for people of color in facial recognition systems and 25% more invasive AI surveillance in minority neighborhoods.
The summit receives support from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, which has provided grant funding to help communities understand the social impacts of emerging technologies. Kevin Jackson, a civil rights advocate from the department, collaborates with Scales to ensure that the discussions remain focused on equity and community needs. The event is poised to help communities navigate the rapid integration of AI across various sectors.
Keynote Speaker Highlights Importance of Equity in AI
Renée Cummings, a professor of practice in data science at the University of Virginia, will serve as the keynote speaker at the summit. Cummings will address the necessity for technologies to respect human dignity and not exacerbate existing social inequities. This aligns with the overarching goal of the summit to move Michigan toward becoming an “architect” of ethical innovation rather than merely consumers of technology.
Addressing Job Market Demand and Educational Advancements
Grand Valley State University is also aligning its academic offerings with the increasing demand for AI-related job skills in the region. A notable increase of 338% in references to AI in job postings in Greater Grand Rapids from 2022 to 2024 has prompted GVSU to establish new degree programs in AI and software engineering. These programs, which are set to include bachelor’s and master’s degrees focusing on machine learning and AI engineering, were developed with input from over 160 industry partners.
Educational training at GVSU will emphasize not just technical competencies but also ethical and responsible AI usage, reflecting the summit’s commitment to integrating ethical considerations into technological advancements. Additionally, the new programs are designed to provide experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research initiatives.
Fostering Ongoing Dialogue on AI and Community Inclusion
The Summit aims to initiate an ongoing dialogue that balances technological innovation with community inclusion. Joel Van Kuiken, founder of See Context, has outlined the objective of creating a diverse dialogue by including various perspectives on AI technology. Alongside the summit, GVSU’s Blue Dot Ecosystem is working to cultivate the technology sector in West Michigan, including plans for a new downtown tech lab.
The upcoming event seeks not only to address urgent concerns regarding AI bias but also to set the stage for a collaborative effort among various community stakeholders aimed at promoting ethical innovation and responsible AI practices. Through open discussions, community leaders can work together to confront challenges associated with technological advancements and create positive outcomes for all.
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Additional Resources
- Rapid Growth Media: Grand Rapids Summit Tackles AI Equity and Public Safety Challenges
- Fox 17: GVSU to Offer Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence
- Big Rapids News: Concerns About AI-Written Police Reports
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
