Disrupting Data Injustice

Disrupting Data Injustice is a week-long exploration in West Michigan of how the use of data can influence systemic racism leading to racial disparities in criminal justice and incarceration, education, employment, health care and other community systems.

This series of events will focus on the role of data in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as a lever that perpetuates, rather than reduces, racism in our communities. Data ethicist, criminologist and criminal justice consultant Renée Cummings will lead workshops and conversations with community leaders to seek to understand and address data injustice in Grand Rapids and what different sectors can do to disrupt this cycle and create a more just and equitable community.

With recent events shining a global spotlight on our community, this conversation has never been more relevant and necessary.The Greater Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, The Delta Project, NAACP of Grand Rapids, The GVSU Johnson Center for Philanthropy and the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America are partnering to create a series of events to help our community better understand and address racial disparities.

Renée Cummings is a criminologist and international criminal justice consultant who specializes in Artificial Intelligence (AI); ethical AI, bias in AI, diversity and inclusion in AI, algorithmic authenticity and accountability, data integrity and equity, AI for social good and social justice in AI policy and governance.

Foreseeing trends and anticipating disruptions, she’s committed to diverse and inclusive AI strategy development; using AI to empower and transform communities and cultures; securing diverse and inclusive participation in the 4IR, helping companies navigate the AI landscape and developing future AI leaders.

Monday, Nov. 14: Grand Valley State University Disrupting Data Injustice: An Evening with Renée Cummings, 5-6:30 pm. More information here.

Tuesday, Nov. 15: Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Rise Together: Diversity & Talent Summit – Afternoon Keynote  

Thursday, Nov. 17: West Michigan Public Relations Society of America and Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, How to Talk About What We Don’t Want to Talk About: Driving Conversations About Racial Injustice. 4-5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, online and in-person at The Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, 1530 Madison Avenue SE, as well as online. Register here.