As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and automation, the implications for the workforce, particularly for Black Americans, are profound. Marc Morial, president of The National Urban League, has been vocal about the potential threats posed by automation to Black workers, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action.
Automation: A double-edged sword
In a 2019 op-ed, Morial warned that automation could significantly jeopardize the employment prospects of Black Americans. He referenced a report by McKinsey and Company, which indicated that African-American men are disproportionately represented in jobs most susceptible to automation, such as food services, retail and factory work. Conversely, they are underrepresented in sectors less likely to be affected, like education and health care.
Jamie Dimon’s optimistic outlook
In contrast to Morial’s concerns, JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon recently expressed optimism about the future of AI during an appearance on Bloomberg TV. Dimon believes that advancements in technology could lead to improved work-life balance, suggesting that future generations might work only three and a half days a week and live longer, healthier lives due to technological innovations.
“People have to take a deep breath. Technology has always replaced jobs,” Dimon stated, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI. He envisions a future where children live to 100 years old, free from diseases like cancer, thanks to technological advancements.
The reality of job displacement
However, the reality of job displacement due to AI cannot be ignored. According to a 2022 analysis by the CDC, predicting the exact impact of technological advancements on the workforce is challenging due to numerous variables. Research led by MIT economist David Autor indicates that since 1980, technological advancements have not created more jobs than they have eliminated, although some jobs have merely transformed rather than disappeared.
Understanding automation vs. augmentation
Autor distinguishes between automation, which replaces workers, and augmentation, which enhances their capabilities. According to MIT News, he explains, “You can think of automation as a machine that takes a job’s inputs and does it for the worker. We think of augmentation as a technology that increases the variety of things that people can do, the quality of things people can do, or their productivity.” This distinction is crucial in understanding how AI might reshape the workforce.
The need for reskilling and education
In response to these challenges, JPMorgan Chase initiated a five-year, $350 million reskilling program in 2019 to prepare its workforce for an AI-driven economy. However, the company’s current workforce demographics reveal a significant disparity: 44 percent white, 21 percent Latinx, 19 percent Asian and only 14 percent Black. This raises concerns about equitable access to reskilling opportunities.
Morial emphasizes the importance of targeted programs to raise awareness of automation risks among African American workers. He advocates for increased access to higher education and pathways into higher-paying roles to mitigate the impact of job displacement.
A call to action
The future of work in America is being reshaped by AI and automation, presenting both opportunities and challenges. While leaders like Jamie Dimon envision a more balanced work-life dynamic, the reality is that many Black workers face significant risks of job loss. It is imperative for both public and private sectors to implement strategies that not only address these risks but also empower Black Americans through education and reskilling initiatives.
As we move forward, it is crucial to ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are equitably distributed, fostering a workforce that is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
