For many working Americans, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s a co-worker and in some cases, a competitor.
That reality is fueling concerns across the workforce, especially among Black Americans, who often face challenges from both technological disruption and longstanding inequities in employment, education and wealth.
We spoke to Chiquita Hall-Jackson, an employment law expert based in Chicago, who warned that the rise of AI is not just impacting more complex work industries like technology and healthcare, which means everyone should be paying close attention.
“This is affecting fast foods all the way to those who spent thousands of dollars on education and got degrees, who got laid off as a result,” she told us.
Related Inside Carmelo Anthony’s Artsy New York Mansion
Drive-thru speakers at fast food restaurants like Wendy’s are now taking orders without a cashier. A chatbot can now draft marketing copy in seconds. Software even has the ability to write code that once required teams of engineers. With no signs of AI slowing down, Hall-Jackson said Black Americans need to find ways to use it to their advantage.
“Go get some training. Get some certifications in it,” she said. “Just like you would add Microsoft Suite or any other sort of technology to the top of your resume, show that you qualify for a job: ‘I stick out from my colleagues because I’m not afraid of AI.’”
The rapid adoption of generative AI is set to transform millions of jobs in the coming years. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 22% of jobs globally are expected to be disrupted by 2030. At the same time, employers are looking for workers who have updated skills in AI.
The report also found nearly 60% of workers will need new training or reskilling by the end of the decade. And this, according to Hall-Jackson, can benefit Black Americans, who have been disproportionately impacted by nationwide layoffs, as we previously reported.
At the same time, many Black Americans are hesitant to learn AI, as data centers in Black cities like Memphis have been accused of poisoning residents’ air with methane-powered turbines, The Root reported. Still, the attorney said AI can be an advantage if you set aside dedicated time to develop literacy.
“Start out with 15 or 30 minutes to an hour a day to learn something about AI, and if not daily, at least weekly,” she added.
Research suggests that strategy could pay off. A recent UK-based hiring experiment– published in the journal Oxford Economics Papers— found job applicants who listed AI skills on their resumes were more likely to receive interviews.
Beyond technical training, Hall-Jackson encouraged Black folks to publicly demonstrate their knowledge.
“Update your resume and possibly do some social media, or YouTube shorts and reels on how you have advanced yourself,” she continued. “If you can show that you are not afraid of this– that you embrace it and you have a unique twist to it– I think that helps.”
She also acknowledged existing struggles Black professionals face following attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
“We’re already targeted,” she said. “As far as Black people, we’ve got to take into consideration the racism at this point.”
Systemic disadvantages also mean many workers cannot afford costly training programs. Hall-Jackson urges folks to find free or low-cost resources through libraries, community colleges, local governments and online platforms.
“A lot of people sleep on Eventbrite,” she pointed out. “There are seminars and webinars that are free.”
The rise of AI has already eliminated nearly 50,000 jobs, according to research from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. But it is also creating a demand for new skills and industries. Major companies are investing billions in AI infrastructure.
For workers worried about being left behind, Hall-Jackson said the first step is simple: start learning.
“The same technology that you would need a person to sit there and code and take care of is now being taken care of by AI,” Hall-Jackson said. “So get in front of it, diversify your portfolio and adapt.”
