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By McKenzie Jackson |? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Sofia Mbega’s first exposure to technology – more specifically, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) — happened years before she moved from East Africa to the Golden State.

Mbega was a student at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania, when her mother, Gloria Mawaliza, suggested she take a technology course after learning about computer science from co-workers at the international children’s nonprofit World Vision.

Mbega, now a Stockton resident, said taking courses in software engineering, which she received a degree in 2015, was previously unheard of in Tanzania.

“We were the first batch of students,” Mbega said of herself and her classmates. “It was a new profession for my country.”

When she learned about A.I. systems, a topic that continues to grab headlines across the U.S. with experts and pundits wrestling with its merits and dangers, Mbega was intrigued.

“I was so excited,” she recalled. “But I did not picture things would be like this. I thought A.I. would only be something to help software engineers.”

The technology has moved well beyond that purpose.

A.I. floodgates opened into the mainstream of human consumption late last year with the release of the generative A.I. ChatGPT, which uses natural language procession to create humanlike conversational dialogue for public use. A.I.’s popularity has spearheaded discussions on how chatbots and other A.I. applications like face recognition and A.I. voice generator will impact the workforce, educational systems, entertainment, and individuals’ daily lives.

Despite only accounting for a small percentage of the technology sector workforce, Black women like Mbega, a 31-year-old independent data analysis contractor, are constantly assessing the positives and negatives of A.I. and what it is like to work in the industry.

Although she is still excited about A.I., Mbega says alarm bells are ringing.

If you ask large language model-based chatbots like ChatGPT a question. It will answer. People have used A.I. to do draft emails, compose music, write computer code, and create videos and images.

Mbega worries that bad actors could use A.I. for nefarious reasons.

“Someone can make a video of someone saying a crazy or bad thing and people will believe it,” she said.

Oakland resident Joy Dixon, a software engineering manager at Hazel Health and the founder of Mosaic Presence Inc., is concerned about students becoming too dependent on A.I. to do educational tasks such as write papers and solve problems.

“How much is it really advancing them?” Dixon asked. “Is it doing us a disservice that we won’t see now, but maybe in five to 10 years?”

Her main concern with A.I. though is prejudices present in the technology.

“A.I. is built on models of people, and people have their own biases and challenges,” Dixon said. “Computers aren’t neutral.”

There are documented instances of A.I. image generators producing distorted or stereotypical images of Black people when directed to create an image of a “Black” or “African American” person. The technology has created images depicting Black people with lighter skin tones or non-Black hair.

In July, Bloomberg analyzed more than 5,000 images generated by Stability AI’s Stable Diffusion and revealed that the text-to-image model amplified stereotypes about race and gender. It portrayed individuals with lighter skin tones as having high-paying jobs and people with darker skin tones having occupations such as dishwashers, janitors, and housekeepers.

Google disabled it’s A.I. program’s ability to let people search for monkeys and gorillas through its Photos app eight years ago because the algorithm was incorrectly putting Black people in those categories.

A.I. developers have said they are addressing the issue of biases, but Dixon, 53, who has worked in tech since 1997, believes the problem will persist unless more people of color participate in constructing the systems A.I. technology is built upon.

“When car airbags were first released, they killed more women than saved women because nobody tested them on crash dummies that were the size of women,” she said. “There is similar concern about A.I. If you are only building models with a certain subset of the demographic, then you are leaving whole groups out.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Sept. 6 to examine the use, development, and risks of A.I. in the state and to shape a process for deployment and evaluation of the technology.

Newsom called A.I. “transformative technology” and noted that the government sees the good and bad of A.I.

“We’re taking a clear-eyed, humble approach to this world-changing technology,” he said.

Dr. Brandeis Marshall, a data scientist and professor at Atlanta’s Spelman College, said Black women in technology have skills equal to or better than their counterparts, so more should be involved in the construction of A.I. systems. However, they do not get the same opportunities.

“I meet plenty of Black women who have all the chops, but they haven’t been promoted,” she said. “You tend to be the only one in the room.

Black Women in A.I. founder, Angle Bush of Houston, said Black women can contribute much to A.I.

“We have had to be innovative,” she said. “If we don’t have something, we figure out a way to create it. There are a lot of ideas that haven’t come to fruition because of lack of access and opportunity. It has nothing to do with our aptitude.”

Mbega believes the technology can be groundbreaking in health care and help identify ailments such as brain cancer.

Marshall said any discussions of A.I. systems taking over the world like in a Hollywood blockbuster are overblown.

“Right now, we get inundated with all the cool things,” she said. “Then, we seem surprised that there are harmful things. Let’s get a 360 view before we put all of our chips in one basket.”

On Saturday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department celebrated the graduation of Academy Class 232.

The class fundraised and donated over $17,000, including $7,000 to their charity of choice, A Better Way, a Victorville nonprofit which provides services for domestic violence victims and survivors.

Congratulations, and thank you for serving and protecting our communities!

FONTANA, CA— Save the date Saturday, September 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Fontana Park Sports Pavilion located at 15556 Summit Avenue on Knox and Summit, next to the aquatic Center in Fontana.

Everybody knows somebody who has cancer or who have had cancer. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.  In addition to the delicious barbecue and the awesome entertainment we are providing professional information and resources you can take home with you. Saturday is a family, fun, food filled day for all ages, right in your own backyard.

Superstar Amoré the Songstress will open with the national anthem, followed by a variety of live entertainment provided by our local talent and artists, Summit High School 100 piece band, in recognition of Mexican Independence Day there will be a special presentation by Angeles Especiales, and route 66 dance studio will be in the house for your entertainment pleasure, that is just a taste of what you have to look forward to.

For $10 for everyone over 5 years old you can have an all-inclusive family day for less than Disneyland with a Kids zone, car show, and variety of vendors and you don’t have to drive far.

Join CHAN and High Desert Second Chance for a crucial ‘Lunch & Learn’ Car Seat Safety Workshop from 10 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, September 19. Learn about proper installation, age-appropriate car seats, and essential safety guidelines.

Please note, this is not a car seat giveaway but an educational training. Limited car seats may be provided based on strict qualifications and a review of your current child’s needs.

High Desert Second Chance is located in Hesperia. Register now at chanhd.org/carseat

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

On September 19, elected officials, community leaders and concerned citizens

took to the streets of Watts in South Los Angeles to march against gun violence in California.

Dubbed the “Mothers in Mourning March,” the women-led event was organized by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) featured guest speakers and over 34 participating organizations.

Participants marched from Jordan High School to Edwin Markham Middle School and walked back to Jordan in temperatures that hovered up to the high 80s, shouting impassioned chants like “put those guns down,” “stop the killing,” and “start the healing.”

“We are proud to be here at Jordan, and from the housing complexes to the highways we are making our voices known: Let our babies live,” Gipson posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

At a post-march rally, speakers shared personal accounts, some tearful, about their experiences with gun violence.

“For our children we lost, we are their voices, and their voices will continue to be heard here and everywhere around this nation,” Mattie Scott, the California chapter leader of the advocacy organization Mothers in Charge, said. “We will stop the killing and start the healing because this is for all of us or none of us.”

Scott reminded voters that they have power to push anti-Gun policies against the forces across the country that fiercely oppose them — from “our house, to the courthouse, to your house, to the White House.”

As of last year, firearms are the leading cause of death among children in the United States.

While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that California has the 8th lowest death rate by guns and Los Angeles has seen a decrease between 2021 and 2022, Los Angeles County accounts for a majority of California’s gun related deaths, according to Hope and Heal Fund.

African Americans between the ages of 15 and 34 experience gun related deaths more than any other group in the United States, according to the Center for American Progress. 

Overall, Everytown Research & Policy reports, that Black Americans “experience 12 times the gun homicides, 18 times the gun assault injuries, and nearly 3 times the fatal police shootings” as compared to White Americans.

Karren Lane, Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles, stressed the importance of all Californians getting involved in the legislative process to help stem gun violence.

“Our commitment is to prevent that violence,” she said. “We cannot do that as a city without the organized political power of everyday people.”

She went on to speak about how the march might have an impact on those who have a vested interest in the prevention of gun violence.  “This event is so significant because one mother suffering alone feels isolated and silenced,” she said. “But when we come together and organize our voices, we are political power. We are organized power.”

Speakers also focused on explaining anti-gun violence bills that Gov. Newsom has signed and others the Legislature has approved.

Assembly Bill (AB) 28, for example, which has been approved by the Legislature, would impose an 11% tax for sales for firearms and firearm related items like ammunition and other “precursor parts.”

Gov. Newsom signed AB 1621, authored by Gipson, last year. It bans ghost guns, which are “unserialized and untraceable firearm” parts that can be assembled without any form of regulation or oversight.

LA Unified School District board member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, one of the speakers, encouraged Californians to vote to protect their children.

“We have the power to change the world with the kids in our district. We have future presidents, we have future engineers, we have future public safety officers, we have future changemakers right here in our district. But they need to have a future and they have to live into their potential and it’s going to take all of us demanding that,” she said.

Franklin’s voice echoed that of many of the women and allies attending the march who chanted at intervals, “No more silence, end gun violence!”

By Lou K Coleman

And what do you do? You turn your head as if nothing is happening around you. Woe unto you!  Jesus and the apostles exhorted us to actively “watch!” [Matthew 24:3; Mark 13:32-37]. The command to “watch” includes being alert to newsworthy events happening in the world we live in. When we see major shifts in the political climate and see nations jockeying for position and preparing for war, we must take note! Likewise, we should be alert to potential biological and environmental disasters that we are told will happen in the end-times. We must be aware of time and events so that we can be ready for what is coming. [Revelations 22:20]. Understand all that Christ and the apostles meant and the wide-ranging implications, because your survival and salvation depend on that understanding and your action.

“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. [Jeremiah 5:21]. The Luciferians tell you what they’re going to do ahead of time. They have a code of ethics, and one of the facets of their code of ethics is they must tell the world everything they are going to do before they do it. Certainly, we are not ignorant that evil, the workings of Satan, are all around us. Staying aware of the powerful behind-the-scenes role of Satan and his demons enables us to understand the atrocious evil and madness of this world. So, what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” [Mark 13:35-37]. “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” [1 Peter 5:8].

In Revelation 13 it tells us that the four beasts of [Daniel 7] become one beast, the united government of the Antichrist [The New World Order]. What’s happening in the world today? The Beast Rising from the Earth: [Revelation 13:11-18]. Watch and pray that you may escape all that is about to happen, that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” [Luke 21:36].

What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!

NEW YORK, NY— EBONY Magazine will return to print for a Fall issue that is slated to hit newsstands on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  In partnership with entertainment company Mass Appeal, the limited-edition print issue celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop with five unique cover stories highlighting Hip Hop legends: 50 Cent, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, and Swizz Beatz.  To punctuate Hip Hop’s interdisciplinary reach, both brands have collaborated to create and house original Hip Hop 50 content. In sponsorship with Google Pixel, EBONY.com serves as a digital hub for always-on multimedia content exploring the legacy of Hip Hop across art, music, activism, fashion, business, and more.  Readers can access the content online and the print issue will be available nationwide and in select international markets.

“For the past 50 years Hip Hop has been a cornerstone in our community and an undeniable world force,” says EBONY EVP of Brand and Marketing Ashlee Glenn. “We hand-picked our Fall cover stars because they represent the excellence of the genre.  Their style and business acumen are as influential to our culture as their musical prowess, and we could not miss this opportunity to give our loyal readers what they have long been asking for – a physical copy of our legendary print magazine.”

EBONY Magazine has been a leader in media because of the brand’s history of producing buzz-worthy news stories, provocative covers, and highlighting the best of Black culture.  EBONY’s coveted Fall issue will showcase the far-reaching impact of Hip Hop with features penned by leading journalists that have played an integral role in chronicling its evolution, including trailblazer Emil Wilbekin, award-winning writer Kevin Powell, and historian Elliott Wilson. Shot on various locations in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, the commemorative edition features covers by legendary photographers Keith Major and Shamaal Bloodman.

“EBONY Magazine has been a pioneer publication documenting Black life in America since its inception. EBONY has photographed and profiled some of the most iconic figures in Hip Hop, those who have influenced culture and shaped society. It is a pleasure to partner with EBONY to continue documenting the moments that made history and those which undoubtedly will,” adds Mass Appeal SVP of Partnerships & Content Acquisition Jenya Meggs.

Of particular excitement is Mass Appeal’s “Hip Hop 50 List,” to be featured on EBONY.com. The curated feature will celebrate the artists, creators, and industry trailblazers who have made an indelible mark in Hip Hop and beyond.

Garrison is the first Black woman to serve as a full committee staff director in at least five years

WASHINGTON—- The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies applauds Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, for promoting Eyang Garrison to the role of majority staff director.

Garrison is the first Black full committee staff director since the Oct. 2021 departure of David Strickland, who served as staff director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. There are a total of 37 full committee staff director positions in the Senate.

Prior to the new role, Garrison served on the committee as deputy staff director since March. She also served as chief of staff to former Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh and deputy chief of staff and legislative director to then-Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH). She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.

“It’s exciting to see Ms. Garrison take on such an important role in the Senate, especially considering that she will be the first Black woman to serve as a Senate full committee staff director in at least five years,” said Joint Center Interim President and Vice President, Policy Jessica Fulton.

“With a proven track record that includes leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and in Congress, Ms. Garrison brings in-depth knowledge and policy expertise during a pivotal moment in U.S. agricultural policy, which affects our communities through food, farms, and nutrition. We commend Senator Debbie Stabenow for her commitment to promoting top staff diversity and for recognizing Ms. Garrison’s invaluable expertise, leading to her well-deserved appointment. We hope other senators follow her lead and recruit talented people of color for top staff positions, ensuring that congressional top staff reflects the diversity of America.”

ATLANTA, GA—- Awakened Lounge, a visionary production company, is thrilled to announce its latest cinematic masterpiece, “Jubilee Amor”. This enchanting romantic comedy is set to captivate audiences and leave an everlasting impression with its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters.

Written and directed by the talented Naomi K. Bonman, “Jubilee Amor” takes us on a journey of love, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles. Set in the vibrant City of Atlanta, the film follows the story of a former playboy and a strong independent woman navigating jealousy, tragedy, and the quest for true love. It’s a beautifully crafted narrative that explores the complexities of relationships while delivering moments of laughter and inspiration.

Under the visionary leadership of Awakened Lounge, the production team for “Jubilee Amor” includes Lillie Mae Jones as the Casting Director and Producer, Quinton Cammick as the Assistant Director, Marie France Louis as the Associate Producer and Gaffer, and Blaire Hastings as the Production Assistant, among other talented individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into making this film a reality.

“Jubilee Amor” is more than just a film; it’s a movement. Awakened Lounge is committed to empowering emerging artists and promoting diverse storytelling. The storylines and characters in “Jubilee Amor” reflect the richness of Atlanta’s black filmmakers and actors, bringing their unique perspectives to the forefront.

However, creating a high-quality film like “Jubilee Amor” requires not only passion and creativity but also financial resources. Awakened Lounge invites individuals who share their vision and believe in the power of independent filmmaking to contribute to the success of the project. By donating to support the production of “Jubilee Amor,” you can play a pivotal role in bringing this enchanting story to life.

To make a donation and support the film, please visit theawakenedlounge.com/jubilee-amor. Every donation, regardless of the amount, will make a significant difference in realizing the artistic vision of “Jubilee Amor.” As a token of appreciation, the names of generous donors will be prominently featured in the film’s credits.

Awakened Lounge is a company passionate about curating luxury and holistic travel experiences for creatives of color. To learn more about the company and its mission, please visit their About Us page at theawakenedlounge.com/about-us.

Join Awakened Lounge on this cinematic journey of love, laughter, and self-discovery. By supporting “Jubilee Amor,” you are not only contributing to the growth of independent filmmaking but also uplifting underrepresented voices and celebrating the magic of storytelling.

BLOOMINGTON, CA—- In a collaborative effort, Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. announced a series of significant enhancements to Kessler Park as part of its ongoing Revitalization Project. Among the upgrades is the much-anticipated addition of WiFi connectivity.

“We are making impactful strides in our park – from the enhanced snack bar to support our local little league families, to the new WiFi connection ensuring every Bloomington resident has access to the internet,” Baca, Jr. shared. “It’s a step towards creating a more connected community.”

When funds from the American Rescue Plan Act became available, Baca, Jr. strongly advocated for utilizing these resources to integrate WiFi across county parks. “This development is a milestone Bloomington can truly take pride in,” he added.

Tony Carrasco, Vice President of the Bloomington Little League, echoed the sentiment during his speech, “I want to thank the support and effort that is put into this community. I’ve been here coaching for 10 years, and as a dad and as a coach, I’m really excited to see the changes that are going on in this community and the commitment that Joe Baca, Jr. and the county have made to this park.”

By Spring 2024, residents and visitors will be welcomed into a refreshed park setting. This includes a 1,383-square-foot layout, decorative shade improvements, modern restrooms, a refurbished snack bar, and state-of-the-art, vandalism-resistant exterior lighting.

“We’re all working hand-in-hand to create a space where Bloomington can come together and connect,” Baca, Jr. mentioned. “I’m thankful for the county teams, partners, and especially the community members for their input and dedication.”

Operated by the Bloomington Recreation and Park District, Kessler Park exemplifies San Bernardino County’s dedication to community pride and well-being.