By Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin

Without mincing words, historically, if there might be a loser in artificial intelligence, it would be my people. People that look like me. Black people.

And I say this with both urgency and conviction because I’ve seen it happen before. With the PC revolution, the internet revolution, and even the rise of mobile technology, entire communities—particularly in Africa and among Black people globally—were left behind. Not because we lacked talent or ambition, but because systemic barriers and a lack of access kept us off the playing field. But this time feels different.

AI has created an unprecedented opportunity. For the first time, there’s a level playing field for communities like ours to catch up and even leap ahead. Generative AI, in particular, is a game-changer. The barriers to entry are low, and the potential is enormous. The tools are here, and they are accessible to anyone with a basic foundation in technology. This isn’t just another revolution; this is a catch-up moment. And it’s one we cannot afford to miss.

Let me bring it into context. Twenty years ago, if you learned HTML and JavaScript, the reward for your effort would likely be a basic, clunky website—functional at best but far from impressive. Today, with the same amount of effort and learning, generative AI allows you to create tools, automate tasks, and solve real-world problems with immense utility and sophistication. The learning curve is lower, and the rewards are exponentially greater. This is the kind of opportunity we’ve been waiting for.

But here’s the catch: it won’t last forever. AI is evolving rapidly. Those who get on board now will have the advantage of being early adopters, shaping industries instead of merely reacting to them. I worry that, as a community, we may not fully realize the potential of this moment. If we hesitate, if we let this slip by, we risk being left behind—again.

This is why I believe community leaders, educators, and policymakers have a critical role to play. We need to demystify AI, make it accessible, and show people that it’s not some exclusive, complex domain reserved for a select few. It’s a tool—one that can and should be used by anyone, anywhere, for meaningful impact.

I’ve spent the better part of my life empowering young girls and underserved communities through technology, and I’ve seen what happens when people are given the tools and opportunities to succeed. AI is the next step in this journey. It can transform not just individual lives but entire communities. With just a basic understanding of AI, young people in underserved areas can create solutions for local challenges, start businesses, and even compete in the global gig economy.

Generative AI is like a bus waiting at the stop. It’s open to everyone, but you have to get on board. If you don’t realize the bus is there or you hesitate too long, it’ll leave without you. And for communities like ours, that would be a tragedy.

This moment is different. For the first time, we don’t need to have billions of dollars or a Silicon Valley address to make an impact. We just need access, awareness, and the willingness to learn. AI has given us the tools to level the playing field, but it’s up to us to use them.

I’ll be honest: this excites me. I see the potential for young people in Africa, for Black communities globally, for women and girls who have been sidelined in tech for far too long. This is our moment. If we embrace it, AI can be the equalizer we’ve been waiting for. It can help us rewrite the narrative—not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.

But make no mistake: the clock is ticking. The world isn’t going to wait for us to catch up. We have to act now. This is my challenge to all of us—leaders, parents, teachers, and changemakers alike. Let’s get on the bus. Let’s make sure no one is left behind. This is our moment, and I refuse to let it pass us by.