By Tenita Joi Abraham
AI REVOLUTION Last week, we explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is creating powerful opportunities for minority communities— leveling the playing field, increasing access to capital, and even supporting education in new ways. But AI’s journey to becoming a household tool didn’t happen overnight. It started decades ago, evolving from an ambitious concept into a technology we now interact with daily. Today, AI is already working quietly in the background to save time, simplify tasks, and provide us with helpful insights.
Fun Fact: AI’s roots go back to the 1950s, when scientists began developing machines that could “learn” simple tasks, like playing checkers or solving puzzles. In the 1980s, AI took a big leap forward with neural
networks—computer systems inspired by the human brain. Then, in the early 2000s, AI’s reach expanded rapidly, thanks to increased computing power and vast amounts of data, leading to the technology we recognize today in virtual assistants, online shopping recommendations, and even the predictive text on our phones.
Understanding these everyday uses can make AI feel less intimidating and more relevant to us all. From the voice assistants we talk to in the kitchen to the personalized recommendations we see on our screens, AI has become a tool we already rely on—often without even realizing it. So let’s dive a little deeper into how AI actually works and where it shows up in everyday situations. Once you know how it’s woven into the tools you already use, you’ll see how it’s ready to
bring even more benefits to our communities.