Let The Church Say A.I.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes our world, Black churches have a critical role in ensuring this technological leap forward does not disproportionately affect Black life, culture, and faith as seen in previous revolutions. By embracing AI literacy and STEM education, Black churches can prepare congregations for the inevitable reality of AGI, robotics, and automation at the heart of a new social transformation driven by AI as a merger of theology and technology. Historically, the "Digital Divide" has disadvantaged communities of color, exacerbating systemic structural inequities in education, employment, and infrastructure. Left unchecked, AI could further widen this divide. By transforming into educational hubs, Black churches can provide access and resources to AI, computer coding, and STEM education, empowering community members to become creators, not just consumers, of technology. Black churches can serve as platforms for transitioning members towards AI-driven careers, promoting AI literacy, and vocational training as tools for social and economic liberation. Also, as AI technologies are increasingly used in policing, surveillance, and the criminal justice system, Black churches must advocate for ethical AI, challenging structural sin and algorithmic oppression. By promoting justice and equity, they can serve as moral watchdogs and democratize access to AI, ensuring it benefits all people. Through workshops, seminars, and community labs, Black churches can demystify AI, making it accessible and relevant to everyday lives. In conclusion, the interaction of theology and technology presents both challenges and opportunities. By addressing these issues head-on, Black churches can become agents of change, fostering social justice, and empowering communities in the age of AI.

The symposium will explore the current landscape wherein Black churches face a crucial juncture as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes society. Historically marginalized by technological advancements, these sacred institutions as well as the communities they represent must now proactively engage with AI. By fostering AI literacy, STEM education, and ethical AI development within their communities, Black churches can:

• Bridge the digital divide through divine means: Equip members with the skills to thrive in an AI-driven world, combating systemic inequities and spiritual adversities.
• Promote communal empowerment for a more fruitful future: Facilitate AI-related careers and vocational training, offering pathways to social and economic liberation.
• Champion ethical AI in technology and theology: Advocate for just and equitable AI systems, challenging algorithmic bias and ensuring technology serves all humanity so that machine learning not only obtains mechanical consciousness but also sustain a moral conscience.

This requires a collaborative approach, uniting theologians and technologists to design and deploy AI that reflects Black values and addresses the unique needs of Black communities.

Speakers include:

Justin R. Lester is Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Vallejo, CA as a decisive Non-Profit Leader experienced in impacting business direction and performance with successful leadership strategies, tactical decision making and forward-thinking approaches. He is an educator with emphasis in Black Religious Leadership, Practical Theology, and Communication Strategy vis-a-vis A.I. and social media. I have a proven history of improving operations and boosting financial health and company sustainability through adaptive leadership.

Fallon S. Wilson is Co-Founder & Executive Director of #BlackTechFutures Research Institute, housed at Stillman College, a HBCU. #BlackTechFutures Research Institute rose out of a need – a need to bridge the gap in racial tech disparity that has plagued this nation since its inception and to promote the Black innovation and joy that exist in cities across the U.S. At #BlackTechFutures, we see greatness in Black communities and strive to offer guidance and support as they build their own Black tech future. As a research and advocacy institute and network builder that uses data, policy, and programming to create and strengthen the collective Black Tech Future, we strive to amplify Black voices in our pursuit of an improved landscape – one without the historic racial tech disparity. Our commitment to progressive policy, strengthening local organizations, establishing a robust field of Black Public Interest Technology (Black PIT), and building connections between technologists and society, makes for an ideal climate to realize our vision of change at the ecosystem level. This approach aids us in helping to collectively build and grow local, state, and national Black Tech Ecosystems with BTE Builders to achieve our goals.

Philip Butler is Term Assistant Professor of Theology and Black Posthuman Artificial Intelligent Systems at Iliff School of Theology. He is an interdisciplinary scholar in neuroscience, technology, spirituality and Blackness. He is the author of Black Transhuman Liberation Theology, and the editor of the forthcoming volume Critical Black Futures. Philip is also the founder of the Seekr Project, a distinctly Black AI with mental health capabilities.

Stephen B. Clancy is a seasoned Solutions Architect and Senior Consultant based in Nashville with over 25 years of experience in designing, building, and scaling enterprise-grade applications and distributed systems. Renowned for his leadership in engineering and technology innovation, he excels in driving impactful solutions in fintech, healthcare, and emerging technology domains.

Co-sponsored by:

Vanderbilt Divinity School | College of Connected Computing | James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements | Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies

Host or Publisher Vanderbilt Divinity School