Exploring Perspectives on AI: Conversations from the NABJ Convention
I recently traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention. As I stepped into the bustling halls filled with journalists from across the nation, I anticipated vibrant dialogues centered around artificial intelligence (AI)—a topic of growing significance across many industries, including my own. However, the conversations were overwhelmingly steeped in apprehension. The dominant sentiment mirrored a collective mantra: “We must protect ourselves.” In session after session, the prevailing view was one of trepidation, labeling AI as an impending threat—an adversary poised to replace the very essence of what we, as journalists, do.
This pervasive anxiety got me thinking deeply about my own relationship with technology and AI. Was it truly the threat that so many claimed, or was there a nuanced picture waiting to be painted? To seek clarity, I ventured beyond the convention’s boundaries and found myself in a seemingly ordinary setting—a hotel restaurant named Betts.
The Unexpected Encounter
During breakfast, I engaged in a discussion with my waiter, Kevin Knestrick, who casually mentioned his early experiences with AI. When I inquired if he used AI at all, he hesitated before answering. This hesitation sparked my curiosity. Fueled by the narrative of alarm hanging thick in the air at the convention, I envisioned him hurling back a diatribe about the dangers of AI. Instead, he offered a surprisingly refreshing perspective.
“Not really,” he started, “but I did use it recently when we changed the menu.” He explained how he uploaded a picture of the menu to ChatGPT, requesting assistance in crafting a message for his colleague. “It saved me so much time,” he added, an unmistakable relief evident in his tone. This initial exchange marked a pivotal moment for me, revealing that, contrary to the dominant discourse at the convention, AI could potentially serve as a time-saving ally rather than a malevolent force.
A Shift in Perspective
As Kevin relaxed into the conversation, he introduced me to two of his younger colleagues, Jamie Sargent and Dawud Hamzah. It became increasingly clear that their experiences with AI could not be more different from the fears echoed in the halls of the convention center. For them, AI wasn’t merely a tool; it was a vital component of their daily routines, facilitating both professional tasks and personal aspirations.
Dawud Hamzah: A Multifaceted User of AI
Dawud, a bartender and youth motivational speaker, spoke about how ChatGPT had taken on an essential role in his life. “For me, it’s essentially replaced Google,” he said, noting its utility in crafting well-structured PowerPoint presentations for his engagements with students. But its impact doesn’t stop at work. He explained that ChatGPT acts as his trip planner, health advisor, and even personal coach.
When asked about a recent use case, he eagerly recounted a plan he crafted for his girlfriend’s birthday. “I wanted something relaxing with vegan-friendly options, and it provided a phenomenal itinerary,” he said, his enthusiasm palpable. He also referenced a bout of back pain he experienced and how he turned to the AI for advice. “It recommended specific home workouts to relieve pressure from my degenerating disc. And it worked!” His glowing endorsement illustrated a paradigm often overlooked: AI’s ability to enhance personal lives and stimulate creativity.
Jamie Sargent: A Teacher’s Ally
Similarly, Jamie Sargent shared his experiences as a former special education teacher who embraced AI since its launch in late 2022. “I generated baseline lesson plans with it, saving hours of work,” he noted, emphasizing that the saved time allowed him to focus more on tailoring content to suit individual student needs. The way he framed his use of AI dispelled the idea of cheating; instead, he viewed it as a complementary tool that accelerated a process he would have undertaken regardless.
“I saved about an hour’s worth of time writing a lesson plan,” he explained, illustrating a practical application of AI that enables educators to channel their energies into facilitating student learning rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks. Jamie also shared how he utilized ChatGPT to orchestrate an intricate trip to Italy, mapping out train routes, recommending restaurants, and providing concise financial estimates.
Their pragmatic views on AI stood in stark contrast to the apprehension swirling at the conference. Both men acknowledged that while jobs may indeed be lost to automation, they were confident in our ability to adapt. “If you don’t learn and develop, you will fail,” Dawud asserted, underlining the importance of continual learning in an evolving landscape.
The Cautious Converts: A Bridge between Generations
Kevin’s story epitomized the transitional phase that many individuals find themselves in regarding AI. Initially hesitant, his single, necessity-driven interaction with ChatGPT opened his eyes to new possibilities. Reflecting on this evolution, he remarked, “Now I’m much more open to any problem I have. I’m just going to ask it now.” The urgency of his work—and a slight twinge of regret for not capitalizing on opportunities like the Bitcoin boom—spurred him on to explore AI further.
Curtis Helser, their manager, demonstrated a more measured yet open approach to technology adoption. Introduced to ChatGPT by his wife, he began refining important work emails to make them more professional and concise. Although he could see the potential for misuse, he analogized AI to a car—capable of good or bad outcomes depending on how it is used. Most importantly, Curtis voiced a reassuring perspective: “You have to be in the building. Kissing babies, shaking hands, that kind of stuff.”
This lighthearted comment highlighted a crucial aspect that many in my profession seemed to overlook. While AI could augment efficiency, it could not replicate the human connection essential to journalism and, by extension, society.
The Contrast in Perspectives
The experiences I had in the restaurant starkly contrasted with the prevailing sentiment of the NABJ convention. While those of us steeped in the world of information and storytelling viewed AI as an existential threat, those in service-oriented roles saw it as another instrument to enhance productivity. The fear that permeated the convention hall was palpable, fueled by a genuine concern for job security and the very essence of creative professions.
However, the interactions I witnessed at Betts made me rethink the AI narrative. The true AI revolution may not be defined by alarming headlines or sensational fears, but rather by quiet transformations manifesting in everyday conversations. It’s a shift happening on small scales, one problem-solving interaction at a time.
The Practical Revolution: Real Applications and Human Connections
As I left the restaurant, I was struck by the realization that the core of this technological evolution lies not merely in automating processes but in revolutionizing how humans interact with information and each other. While the fear of AI replacing jobs is valid, so too is the recognition that it is becoming an essential tool crafted for convenience and enriched productivity.
This gently evolving landscape allows individuals to amplify their strengths by leveraging AI’s capabilities, whether it’s improving teaching practices, planning a birthday celebration, or streamlining professional communications. The stories shared by Kevin, Dawud, and Jamie illuminated a path forward that thrives on embracing the capabilities of AI while recognizing human value—a critical counter-narrative to the dominant fears I observed at the convention.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future with Wisdom and Agency
In closing, attending the NABJ convention and having discussions in the restaurant illuminated a broad spectrum of perspectives regarding AI’s role in our lives. To navigate this complex terrain, adaptation and continual learning are not mere options; they become necessities in order to stay relevant and invaluable. Those embracing AI must recognize their unique human qualities—such as empathy, creativity, and interpersonal connection—that differentiate them from machines.
Rather than demonizing AI as a nemesis, we must aim to integrate it as a valuable ally. That way, we can drive meaningful changes in our respective fields while enhancing our ability to connect authentically with others. As society continues to evolve with technology, it is essential to maintain a focus on what makes us distinctly human, carving out spaces where the human experience remains central, regardless of the rapid technological progress surrounding us. AI represents a new frontier, one that necessitates our agility and creativity as we journey forward.
