Let’s be honest: Black people are falling behind in the AI space. That’s not speculation—it’s reality.
We don’t understand it. We don’t trust it. Some of us are even afraid of it. And sure, that fear comes from somewhere real. Historically, we’ve seen how new technologies and systems have been used against us. From biased facial recognition to algorithmic discrimination, we have reason to be cautious.
But here’s the truth we can’t ignore: if we miss this AI wave, we won’t just be behind—we’ll be left.
This Ain’t About Sci-Fi Anymore
Artificial intelligence is no longer just some distant tech fantasy or Silicon Valley buzzword. It’s here. Right now. It’s reshaping everything—jobs, education, healthcare, entertainment, and yes, even how we organize and fight for justice.
And while other communities are building tools, launching startups, creating content, and making money, many in the Black community are sitting on the sidelines. Watching. Waiting. Wondering.
That’s a dangerous position to be in.
The Great Irony: AI Is Meant to Be Equalizing
AI is supposed to be the great equalizer. That’s the irony.
Whether you’re broke or balling, ChatGPT will answer your questions the same. Whether you live uptown, downtown, or in the Lower Ninth Ward, AI can help you write a business plan, prep for a job interview, or help your kids with their homework.
It doesn’t ask who your people are. It doesn’t care if you’re a Xavier grad or just got your GED. If you ask the right questions, it gives you real answers.
This is the democratization of knowledge, and we’re acting like it’s a trap.
Mistrust Can’t Be an Excuse Anymore
Yes, we’ve been burned before. Yes, tech hasn’t always treated us fairly. But using that as an excuse to disengage from the future? That’s not strategy. That’s surrender.
Refusing to learn AI today is like refusing to get a cell phone back in 2005 because “they might be tracking you.” Meanwhile, the rest of the world keeps moving forward—faster, smarter, and richer.
Let’s be real: if your enemy has a better weapon, do you run from it? Or do you learn it, understand it, and then use it for your own protection?
We know the answer. We just have to apply it.
It’s Time to Learn the Language
We don’t all need to become coders. But we do need to learn the language. Prompting. Large language models. Machine learning. Ethics in AI. These aren’t optional anymore. They’re essential.
You don’t need to go back to school. You’ve got free tools. YouTube, online courses, community meetups, and yes—AI itself. Ask it to explain how it works. Ask it to help you write your resume. You can ask it anything. And ChatGPT is free to use. Quit tripping. You can get all the knowledge in the world on your cell phone. All you need is the internet.
Stop thinking it’s too late. Start thinking about how far ahead you can get if you start today.
Black Genius + AI = Power
Imagine what we could do if we infused our creativity, our hustle, and our cultural wisdom into AI tools. AI could amplify our stories, protect our communities, teach our kids, and launch our businesses.
But only if we show up.
This isn’t just about tech. It’s about power. The same way voting, land ownership, and education have always been about power. If AI becomes the new gatekeeper of information, we can’t be locked out of the room.
We’ve already lost too much ground economically. We can’t afford to lose the future too.
Get on the Bus
The AI train is pulling out of the station. Some of us are still debating whether it’s safe. Others are already driving it.
You don’t have to be an expert to get on. You just have to stop standing still.
Learn a little each week. Use it in your daily life. Talk to your kids about it. Ask questions. Make mistakes. But whatever you do—don’t ignore it.
Because if we’re not using AI, AI will be used on us.
Let’s stop being afraid of the future and start shaping it.
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Publisher — Black Source Media
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Another powerful message for ALL of us.