The NAACP Participates in the Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity Roundtable Discussion

I recently had the honor of attending the Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity (PTIO) roundtable discussion on autonomous vehicles (AVs) and communities of color. As the Director of Education Innovation and Research for the NAACP , it was important to take part in this important dialogue around equity, transportation, and economic opportunity.?

The purpose of the discussion was to gain a better understanding of how AVs and technology could be leveraged to create job opportunities within traditionally underserved communities. Moderated by Richard Ezike , the conversation focused on how we could use innovative solutions to bridge gaps faced by communities of color with regards to digital access and economic mobility.?

The meeting featured a variety of stakeholders from various sectors including government officials, transportation industry representatives, educators, civil rights organizations, and more. During our two-hour session we discussed ways that companies in the autonomous vehicle space can invest in talent development initiatives for marginalized citizens who are seeking employment opportunities in this growing industry. We also explored how partnerships between local civic groups and tech startups can foster collaboration among diverse groups, driving innovation and producing positive outcomes for all.?

My participation in this roundtable discussion was an invaluable experience that will help inform my work for the NAACP. Our NAACP Centers for Innovation , under the leadership of Yumeka Rushing are constantly seeking new ways to provide access, opportunity, and economic mobility for communities of color.

• Under my leadership, the NAACP Center for Education Innovation seeks to bridge the education gap between underserved communities and fast-emerging technologies, such as self-driving cars and artificial intelligence. We understand that education can be integral in unlocking opportunities within these industries for black and brown communities. By focusing on education for jobs of the future like Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), our communities can gain a better understanding of how autonomous vehicles and technology can be leveraged to create jobs with economic stability. By doing this, the NAACP can help reduce employment gaps while placing emphasis on education --as they are confident society's most important form of equity is education.
• The NAACP Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, under the leadership of Abre' Conner, Esq. is well positioned to help support communities of color in better understanding the potential of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and technology to revolutionize mass transit. AVs could allow for a rapid transition from traditional, internal combustible engines to cleaner, more efficient electric vehicles. This progress could not only reduce pollution in historically underserved areas, but also open up new job opportunities associated with the development and maintenance of more sustainable forms of transportation. A greater understanding of AVs serving these disadvantaged regions is needed, as mass transit can be an important driving force towards more equitable social and economic outcomes while simultaneously leading to a healthier environment.
• With automation on the rise, it is crucial to recognize how the NAACP Center for Opportunity, Race, and Justice, under the leadership of Keisha D. B. , can help communities of color make the transition into this automation revolution. The center can provide knowledge and resources to better understand how automation and technology can be used to create job opportunities within traditionally underserved communities. This understanding could be augmented with thoughtful implementation of plans such as universal basic income and reskilling of the labor force to enable people to remain competitive in a job market disrupted by automation. In this way, leveraging automation through educating communities of color is vital for creating an equitable future for all.

I am grateful for having been given this opportunity and look forward to continuing to support PTIO’s mission in driving inclusive economic growth through transportation innovation and opportunity. Thank you to Robert Chiappetta , Chair, and @Kathryn Branson, Executive Director for Partnership for Transportation Innovation &?Opportunity for the invitation to participate in this roundtable discussion.