Create Labs Ventures is collaborating with TONL, a Black-owned stock photography company, to launch the first-ever AI-powered image-generator exclusively trained to create a Black-owned stock photo library, Femi Magazine reports. This partnership aims to tackle biases in AI image generation, where models trained on white-dominated datasets often produce inaccurate or offensive depictions of Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities. communities. By leveraging TONL’s diverse collection, it aims to create more authentic, representative images. Black Representation in Stock Photography TONL was founded by Nigerian-American social entrepreneur Karen Okonkwo and Ghanaian-American Joshua
In 2024, US startups with Black founders received just 0.4% of total funding, the lowest share in recent years and down more than two-thirds from just three years ago. According to Crunchbase data, overall startup funding increased to $314 billion last year, but only $730 million went to Black founders. Which Black startups received the most funding last year? Twelve picked up a $200 million Series C in September, led by Capricorn Investment Group, Pulse Fund, and TPG. The startup converts carbon dioxide into jet fuel and other practical products. The company also
DEI Under Fire is our monthly series that keeps you up-to-date on the latest DEI announcements and changes from the nation’s leading companies. This month, Reuters reported that some retailers, including Target, Amazon, and Tractor Supply, have ended their DEI initiatives in writing but are quietly maintaining select efforts, like funding LGBTQ+ Pride and anti-racism events and backing resource groups for underrepresented staff workers. Here are some of the latest changes we think you should know about. Remember to revisit this page throughout March for updates. Companies are listed in
Over 100,000 people have pledged to boycott Target for 40 days in protest of the company’s rollback of DEI initiatives. The boycott, which began on Wednesday, March 4, was organized by Pastor Jamal Bryant. According to The Washington Post, the movement spans cities including Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Florida, and Alexandria, Virginia. The “Target Fast” occurs simultaneously as Lent, when some Christians commit to fasting and will be the latest boycott against one of the biggest retail companies in the US. Why are people boycotting Target? In January, Target announced that
Last week, a federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s executive orders to cut federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, ruling that they likely violate the First Amendment and other constitutional protections. Judge Rejects Trump’s DEI Crackdown AP News reports that US District Judge Adam Abelson in Maryland issued an injunction on February 21, preventing the administration from terminating or altering federal contracts tied to DEI. Baltimore officials and three organizations brought the lawsuit, arguing that Trump’s orders unlawfully suppress free speech and overstep presidential authority. Abelson agreed
Being Black or Brown in tech is one thing; being Black, brown, and queer in tech is another. Being a minority in the tech space can be isolating; now imagine having intersecting identities. The tech space is still very white and male, as only 3% of the UK tech workforce is Black, according to Tech Talent Charter Diversity in Tech Report 2023. While only 2-3% of tech employees identify as LGBT+, as stated by Women Tech Network. So, just existing as a Black or brown queer person in tech is
Techish is back! This week, Abadesi and Michael kick off the episode with the backlash over Stormzy’s McDonald’s collaboration. They also break down Meta’s latest layoffs and how performance reviews play into the mix. Then, they take a look at the rising cost of concert tickets—why are prices for artists like Beyoncé skyrocketing? Finally, they discuss the future of DEI in corporate America and what these shifts mean for the people driving the work forward. Chapters 00:25 Stormzy’s McDonald’s Collaboration Sparks Backlash09:49 Meta Lays Off “Low Performers”16:03 Cowboy Carter Tour:
Tech workers union Prospect is asking UK lawmakers to examine the diversity efforts of US multinational companies operating in the UK to ensure they comply with UK regulations and values. It has written to Parliament’s Women and Equalities, asking them to review American businesses rolling back DEI efforts. “Prospect represents thousands of UK tech workers, including in companies like Meta, and we have been alarmed to see how these companies have acted since Donald Trump’s inauguration as President,” the letter stated. It added “Not only have the CEOs of many
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, announced it will end its commitment to DEI, according to The Guardian. Executives at CZI told staff workers on Tuesday evening that it would end its internal and external DEI efforts, as stated in an internal email and other messages. The announcement came despite Zuckerberg’s recent assurances that the for-profit charity organization’s longstanding support for DEI remained unchanged. “Given the shifting regulatory and legal landscape, we will no longer have a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility team at
The NAACP has announced the launch of the Black Consumer Advisory to help Black consumers stay informed on which companies promote diversity. As more companies continue to scale back their DEI programs, Black consumers should spend their money where they are valued. However, they can only do this if they know which companies value diversity and inclusion. This is why the NAACP is creating the Black Consumer Advisory, to remind Black consumers that their money is valuable. “The NAACP stands firm in our belief that, in a global economy, those
