Inaugural HBCU AI Conference Set for 2025 at Huston-Tillotson

By Ashley Brown

Registration is officially live for the inaugural HBCU AI Conference and Training Summit, which will take place from April 1 to 3, 2025, on the campus of Huston-Tillotson University. This landmark event aims to gather a diverse coalition of AI researchers, educators, students, and industry leaders to discuss and explore inclusive pathways in artificial intelligence.

Designed specifically to empower students and faculty from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, community colleges, and leading tech organizations, the summit will host interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and AI discussions. The conference seeks to bridge the gap for underrepresented communities in the tech landscape while amplifying diverse voices crucial to shaping artificial intelligence’s future.

“This summit is about bridging the gap between technology and representation,” said Meme Styles, president of Measure and co-chair of the summit. “We’re bringing together visionaries, educators, and students to ensure everyone has a seat at the table as AI transforms the world.”

Under the “Lead Future of AI” theme, participants can expect three days filled with hands-on workshops, insightful sessions, and student showcases. Esteemed speakers include Dr. Denise Malloy, HT’s Center for Academic Innovation and Transformation director, and Dr. Robbie Melton, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Tennessee State University.

The conference encourages researchers, educators, and students to submit papers on pivotal topics such as AI applications, ethics, diversity in technology, and inclusive innovation. Submissions are due by Jan. 31, 2025. Interested individuals can submit their work through Submit Your Paper.

Key figures organizing the summit include Dr. Phillip Eaglin, founder of Changing Expectations and co-chair; Valerie Capers Workman, chief legal officer at Handshake; and Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Trent H. Edwards, CEO of Edwards Consulting LLC, among others. Registration is open here for those interested in participating in this groundbreaking event.