Introduction

In April 2024, reports emerged that New York City's AI-powered chatbot, designed to assist small business owners in navigating the complexity of bureaucracy, government funding, and permits, provided inaccurate and, at times, unlawful advice. The chatbot misrepresented local policies and, in certain instances, suggested actions that violated the law.

Imagine a small business owner in Jamaica, Queens, relying on the chatbot to secure a vital permit, only to be misled into costly mistakes that jeopardize their ability to grow their business.

For Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) that already struggle to access NYC contracts—receiving just 5.3% of the total value in 2023—disseminating misinformation like this using AI can have significant long-term impacts on racial wealth disparities.

This inaugural post examines why the traditional approach to innovation has failed and introduces our Pro-Worker AI framework—a practical approach for tech executives and government leaders to drive innovation while protecting and empowering workers and, ultimately, people of color.

The Historical Context: Understanding NYC's Tech Divide

The technology industry is shaped by and often reinforces historical patterns of economic exclusion. While Silicon Valley CEOs proclaim technology as "the great equalizer," we have seen that is not true through the automation of jobs predominantly held by Black and Latinx workers, embedded bias into hiring algorithms and financial systems, and disproportionately excluding communities of color from access to high-paying tech roles, venture capital, and digital resources.

Our research at Humans over Bots reveals that without intentional design and implementation, AI and automation risk will deepen the racial wealth divide in our City, and these patterns are particularly stark:

🏛️ The Legacy of Economic Exclusion

New York's economy, like America's, was built on systemic exploitation that:

  • Created a labor market that devalues work done by people of color.
  • Established barriers to capital and wealth creation.
  • Implemented neighborhood segregation as a tactic of knowledge hoarding.

🔄 From Past to Present

Zoning and housing laws in NYC, rooted in redlining, continue to limit access to:

  • Quality STEM education across borough lines.
  • Social and professional networks in tech industries.
  • Business funding and startup resources.

The AI Revolution: Threat or Opportunity?

Our research shows that the impact of AI on NYC's communities of color will depend entirely on how we choose to implement it. Here's what's at stake:

⚠️ The Risk: Deepening Disparities

Recent McKinsey data suggests generative AI could widen the racial economic gap by $43 billion annually. In NYC, this threatens:

  • Nearly 25% of Black and Hispanic/Latino workers in high-automation-risk occupations.
  • Vital service sector jobs that have historically provided economic stability.
  • Small businesses in communities of color that lack the resources to adapt.

💡 The Pro-Worker AI Alternative

At Humans over Bots, we believe AI should augment skill sets and improve quality of life rather than replace human workers and widen the racial wealth gap. Our Pro-Worker AI framework helps tech executives:

  1. Assess automation impact through a racial equity lens.
  2. Design AI systems that enhance worker capabilities.
  3. Create pathways for workers to upskill alongside AI implementation.

🌆 NYC's Bright Spots: Local Solutions Leading the Way

Our City is already showing how technology can narrow the economic divide:

Community-Centered Innovation

  • Organizations like Pursuit in Queens train adults from underserved communities for software engineering roles.
  • The Knowledge House in the Bronx creates pathways to tech careers for young people of color.
  • Silicon Harlem is building tech infrastructure and opportunities in upper Manhattan.

Capital Redistribution

NYC-based initiatives are pioneering new models:

  • BBG Ventures is an early-stage fund leading investments in women & diverse founders.
  • WOCstar Fund's investment in women of color entrepreneurs.
  • NYCEDC launched Venture Access NYC as part of the City's strategy to address inequities within the tech startup ecosystem.

🛠️ A Framework for Action: Immediate Steps You Can Take to Implement Pro-Worker AI in Practice

For tech executives committed to equitable innovation, we recommend these concrete steps:

  1. Worker-Centered Design
    1. Involve frontline workers in AI development from day one.
    2. Create feedback loops to continuously improve AI systems based on worker experience.
    3. Design interfaces that complement rather than replace human judgment.
  2. Equitable Implementation
    1. Develop clear protocols for how AI decisions impact worker advancement.
    2. Establish transparency in how AI systems affect wages and job security.
    3. Create pathways for workers to develop AI literacy and related skills.
  3. Community Impact Assessment
    1. Partner with local organizations to understand neighborhood-level effects.
    2. Track metrics on job quality, not just quantity.
    3. Invest in digital infrastructure in underserved areas.

Conclusion: NYC's Tech Future Must Include Everyone

In New York City, the median net worth of white households is $276,900, nearly 15 times greater than the $18,870 median net worth of Black households. This stark disparity underscores the systemic challenges communities of color face in building wealth. As AI and automation become more prevalent, there's a significant risk that these technologies will exacerbate existing inequalities.

The future of AI in New York City is still being written. Together, we can ensure it uplifts every community, creating a city where technology is a bridge to opportunity, not a barrier.

Learn more about Pro-Worker AI, Implementation Best Practices, and NYC organizations that are finding success with Pro-Worker AI—subscribe for exclusive insights.