DISCO Network Presents: Black Boys and the Future of Technology
Can technology improve the lives of Black boys? Recently, new reports, with familiar conclusions, discuss the way Black boys continue to fall behind, which is partially responsible for shrinking enrollments of Black men in college. Particularly striking are the declining numbers at HBCUs. In turning this conversation away from negative reporting toward positive action, we will explore the ways technology can intervene and provide new opportunities, pathways, and platforms for Black boys to thrive.
We want to make our events accessible to all participants. CART services will be provided. If you anticipate needing additional accommodations to participate or would like help filling out the RSVP form, please email Cherice Chan at chericec@umich.edu.
Meet the Panelists
Jonathan Cropper is a respected brand strategist, global creative director, educator, and futurist. He is the co-founder of the prestigious Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program, supported by Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and founder of Futurlogic Advanced Concepts, a highly confidential business development, design, and branding studio. Jon has designed and implemented innovation strategies for many global brands, and sits on multiple startup boards as an angel investor and advisor. Most recently, he was the Head of Global Real Estate, Aviation & Marine Partnerships for Aston Martin Lagonda.
Kareem Edouard is an Assistant Professor of Learning Technologies at the School of Education at Drexel University and co-Director of The Informal Learning Linking Engineering Science & Technology (ILLEST) Lab. His research interests lie in understanding the intersectionality of race and culture and STEAM engagement for students of color. His goal is to motivate Black students to pursue STEAM learning through culturally relevant informal STEM programs. His current research focuses on equity and access in the maker movement for Black student participants. In addition to his scholarly work, Kareem is also a media consultant for The Ole Greens Group. Dr. Edouard consults with various entities like: PBS KIDS, YouTube/Google, GBH KIDS, etc., with a focus on creative and content development emphasizing culture and inclusion and learning strategies.
John Pasmore is the founder and CEO or Latimer.AI, an Artificial Intelligence company built to be the premier Large Language Model focused on accurate historical information and bias-free interaction for Black and Brown audiences and anyone who values precision in their data. He recently served as a partner at the Family Office, TRS Capital and at Movita Organics, an organic supplement company led by filmmaker and social activist, Tonya Lewis Lee. John sits on the Board of Directors of Outward Bound USA.
Meet the Moderator
Rayvon Fouché holds a joint appointment as Professor of Communication Studies and Professor in the Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrative Marketing Communications. He authored or edited Black Inventors in the Age of Segregation (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003), Appropriating Technology: Vernacular Science and Social Power (University of Minnesota Press, 2004), Technology Studies (Sage Publications, 2008), the 4th Edition of the Handbook of Science & Technology Studies (MIT Press, 2016), and Game Changer: The Technoscientific Revolution in Sports (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2017).