March 25, 2024

Akina Is The New AI Platform That Wants To Be A “Google For Black Women”

Alina

Leigh Higginbotham Butler has a pioneering AI platform and network for Black women, Akina.

Akina, which means “strong family bond” in Swahili, originated from a personal need to create a safe space for discussions and support among Black mothers.

It has since evolved into a Community-as-a-Service (CaaS) app and platform that leverages culturally competent AI and machine learning technology.

From A Social Network To A Movement

Akina was initially started 2020 as a social media platform for Black mothers.

“It came about in the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmuad Arbery, and so many others,” Higginbotham told TechBullion.

“As a wife and mother to 3 handsome Black boys, I knew something had to be done, and Akina was born.”

Akina then rapidly grew into a diverse ecosystem with three main pillars: entrepreneurshipmental health, and maternal healthcare

Higginbotham Butler’s vision for the platform aims to be a “Google for Black women,” a go-to source for culturally relevant advice, expert knowledge, and networking opportunities. 

Akina operates as a freemium model and also has a $20 per month offering, which allows full access to the app and website and discounted entry for its in-person events.

A Partnership With The Official Black Wall Street

With Official Black Wall Street becoming Akina’s premier platform partner, Higginbotham believes it will benefit Black-owned businesses.

“Official Black Wall Street boasts one of the largest listings of Black-owned businesses in the country and offers its members a platform for engaging with their customers, additional marketing opportunities, and business education,” she stated.

“Our partnership with Official Black Wall Street is all about enhancing the awareness of Black-owned businesses in their respective categories and encouraging our community to support them.”

Sara Keenan

Tech Reporter at POCIT. Following her master's degree in journalism, Sara cultivated a deep passion for writing and driving positive change for Black and Brown individuals across all areas of life. This passion expanded to include the experiences of Black and Brown people in tech thanks to her internship experience as an editorial assistant at a tech startup.