AS ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) continues to advance, it’s essential to examine how it may affect opportunities for people of colour. 

Here are five potential ways experts have said AI could impact us in employment:

Job Displacement: AI is already automating many jobs that require repetitive tasks, such as factory work and data entry. These jobs are often filled by Black workers, and AI’s ability to perform them faster and more accurately could lead to significant job displacement.

Skills Gap: As AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, new jobs will emerge that require skills in areas such as data analysis and machine learning. Black workers who lack access to quality education and training may struggle to acquire these skills, further widening the skills gap and limiting job opportunities.

Bias in Hiring: AI is only as unbiased as the data it’s trained on, and if that data includes bias against Black people, AI-powered hiring tools could perpetuate discrimination. Black job applicants could be overlooked or unfairly rejected by these systems, further exacerbating existing inequalities.

New Job Opportunities: While AI may displace some jobs, it will also create new ones. For example, there will likely be a greater demand for workers who can build and maintain AI systems. Black workers who can acquire these skills may have new and lucrative job opportunities.

Racial Wealth Gap: The impact of AI on the job market is likely to widen the racial wealth gap. Black workers who lose their jobs to AI may struggle to find new employment, while white workers who benefit from AI’s productivity gains may see their wealth grow.

While it’s clear that AI will have a significant impact on the job market for Black workers, it is also crucial to address the potential negative impacts and work towards creating a more equitable future of work that benefits everyone. 

This can be achieved by increasing access to quality education and training, addressing bias in AI systems, and creating policies that ensure the benefits of AI are shared equitably.

Over the last 100 years, Black people have demonstrated remarkable adaptability to technological change. Despite being historically marginalised and excluded from many of the benefits of technological advancements, Black individuals and communities have found ways to leverage technology to their advantage, creating new opportunities and overcoming barriers.

On the upside there’s a long history of people of colour adapting and excelling. An example of Black people adapting to technological change is the rise of Black-owned businesses in the digital age. 

With the advent of e-commerce and social media, Black entrepreneurs have been able to reach new audiences and create online storefronts that allow them to compete with larger, more established companies. 

Additionally, the use of digital payment systems and crowdfunding platforms has made it easier for Black individuals to access capital and finance their ventures.

In the field of education, Black people have also adapted to technological change by utilising online learning platforms and digital resources. This has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many schools and universities to shift to virtual learning environments. 

Black educators and students have been able to leverage technology to maintain their academic progress and stay connected to their communities despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Finally, Black people have also adapted to technological change in the realm of social justice activism. From using social media to organise protests and raise awareness of issues affecting Black communities, to creating websites and apps that provide information and resources to those in need, technology has become an important tool for advancing the fight for racial justice.

Global changes can cause us to despair especially when reported from a certain vista. Here are two things I hope would encourage you today.

Deuteronomy 31:6 is a powerful and encouraging verse found in the Old Testament of the Bible. It reads: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

This verse is part of Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites, encouraging them to trust in God as they prepare to enter the promised land. It emphasises the importance of relying on God’s strength and promises, rather than our own fears and doubts.

This verse has been a source of comfort and inspiration for believers throughout history, reminding them that God is always with them, even in times of uncertainty or difficulty.  Philippians 4:6-7 in the New Testament passage is also often used as a source of comfort and guidance for us believers. 

It reads: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

This passage encourages us to bring our worries and concerns to God in prayer, rather than allowing anxiety to consume us. It promises that God’s peace, which is beyond our understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. 

This passage reminds us that prayer and thanksgiving are powerful tools in our spiritual journey and that God is always ready to listen and provide us with the peace and comfort we need.

Black people have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to technological change over the last 100 years. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, we have found ways to leverage technology to create new opportunities and overcome barriers, in business, education, and social justice activism. 

This is not going to change… we shall always overcome. Deep in my heart I certainly do believe. In the meantime, protect your peace at all costs.

Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE is Station Director at Premier Gospel Radio, a TV & Radio Broadcaster, and Principal of gospel group Muyiwa & Riversongz