Session 4: Analyzing the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence to Racially Inclusive Democracy

This keynote discussion explored the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), race, and democratic governance, focusing on the challenges and opportunities AI presents for creating a racially inclusive democracy. Professor Overton argued that while AI has transformative potential, it is currently influenced by actors and systems that may unintentionally (or intentionally) weaken racial equity. The spread of AI technologies—without proper safeguards—has opened new pathways for reinforcing structural inequalities, especially in the democratic process.