cider mill, Detroit — Photo by Ehioma Osih: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-glass-of-apple-juice-with-ice-9605309/

by Mary Spiller

July 18, 2025

Ruby Jean’s Juicery Blends Legacy & Wellness to Tackle Health Disparities in Black Communities

Chris Goode spoke to AFROTECH on how he turned his grandmother's legacy into a health revolution and business.

Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery, has transformed personal tragedy into purpose. The Kansas City, Missouri, native launched the health and wellness brand in honor of his late grandmother, Ruby Jean, who helped raise him and his siblings but passed away from complications related to chronic illness. Her story fuels his mission to bring healthier food options to underserved communities.

Ruby Jean’s influence looms large in Goode’s journey. “She didn’t speak much,” he said in an interview with AFROTECH, “but she showed her affection through cooking soul food. It was that same soul food that ended up leading to her demise, because she had chronic illnesses that are very commonplace in the Black community. And she eventually ended up on life support.”

Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions, Ruby Jean died after being taken off life support. Goode was only 14.

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“The agony in myself and my mom and my siblings and my aunts—it’s something that I would never forget, and I still don’t forget it to this day,” Goode recalled. “And so I made a silent vow going from funeral to funeral that I was gonna tell people who my grandmother was one day.”

That vow became action after a transformative experience while working as a catastrophe insurance adjuster. On a trip to Los Angeles, he joined friends in watching the documentary “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,” which explores the health benefits of juice cleansing.

Goode completed his own seven-day cleanse and stated that the experience inspired him.

“I had this clarity, this self-awareness that I had never experienced. I had been a collegiate athlete, but I never experienced this level of mental and emotional and spiritual awareness. And I said, ‘I’ve been doing life wrong.’”

From then on, Goode planned trips around visiting juice bars, carried a portable juicer, and started tracking menus and recipes. Eventually, he realized that consuming juice wasn’t enough—he wanted to bring it to others.

Despite earning over six figures, Goode left his job, tapped into his 401(k), took on debt, and opened Ruby Jean’s Juicery in Kansas City.

Since its launch in 2015, the business has experienced significant growth. Ruby Jean’s products are now sold at more than 100 Whole Foods Market stores across major cities, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago, and served at venues such as CPKC Stadium and Loews Hotels.

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Reflecting on the company’s mission, Goode explained, “I can always point to ways that we’re growing… taking this message of a healthier existence, a message that I wish my grandma had, and making sure that it’s delivered to people that are currently just like my grandmother was back then.”

According to the Ruby Jean Juicery website, Ruby Jean’s juices are made from fresh fruits and vegetables and prepared cold-pressed without the addition of water, sugars, or preservatives.

Not only is the product available in stores across the United States, but it’s also available for sale online.

Ruby Jean’s Juicery offers cleansing packages on their website, aiming to make health accessible to those just getting started.

Trump, Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro, oil — (Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 18, 2025

Urban League Calls For A ‘New Resistance’ Against Trump’s Rollback Of Civil Rights Policies

The National Urban League urges for "resistance" against the Trump administration.

The National Urban League has declared a “state of emergency” in response to the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back decades of civil rights advancements.

The National Urban League’s annual State of Black America report, released on July 17, accuses the Trump administration of actively undermining antidiscrimination protections, personal freedoms, and Black economic progress. As a result, the report calls for the creation of a “new resistance” to counter the administration’s agenda, AP reported.

“There is a state of emergency in Black America, and our report this year is a warning and rallying cry as civil rights protections are being unraveled,” Marc Morial, National Urban League president and CEO, said ahead of the report’s release. “Democracy is under siege. What began as what we thought were fringe attacks on racial equity has now become national policy.”

NUL, one of the nation’s oldest civil rights organizations, believes the Trump-run federal government has become “increasingly determined to sacrifice its founding principles” while pushing for “a uniform education system and homogenous workforce that sidelines anyone who doesn’t fit a narrow, exclusionary mold.”

“If left unchecked, they risk reversing decades of progress that have made America more dynamic, competitive, and just,” the report states.

Presented at the group’s conference in Cleveland, Ohio, the report brings attention to the Trump administration’s target of federal agencies that worked to protect civil rights policies. From cutting funding to downsizing staff, the league likens the moves to coordinated conservative-led attacks that work to undermine civil rights policy.

“It is not random. It is a well-funded, well-organized, well-orchestrated movement of many, many years,” Morial said. “For a long time, people saw white supremacist politics and white nationalism as on the fringe of American politics. It has now become the mainstream of the American right, whose central foundation is within the Republican Party.”

The League points to the nationwide pushback against Trump’s attacks on DEI, including lawsuits filed by state attorneys general, governors, and civil rights organizations like the National Urban League, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and Lambda Legal. As of May 23, there have been 247 federal cases filed against Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders.

But the League says legal action isn’t the only way to fight back. They highlight the upcoming midterm elections in key cities like Atlanta, New York City, and New Orleans, where boosting voter turnout could spark a major shift.

“I think people should host town hall meetings. I think people should make their voices known on social media,” Morial said. “All of this is important to building a bulwark of resistance. What are we resisting? We’re resisting [a] dividing America. We’re resisting an America where the agenda is white supremacy or white nationalism. But it also is the fight for a multiracial American democracy.”

chemicals, cancer, cancer — Photo by John Diez/Pexels

by Jameelah Mullen

July 18, 2025

Lawmakers Propose Crackdown On Harmful Beauty Ingredients Marketed To Black Women

The bill package, introduced July 17th, has been endorsed by over 150 health-focused organizations.

Federal lawmakers introduced four bills aimed at banning or regulating harmful chemicals in hair and beauty products marketed primarily to Black women.

The proposals, called The Safe Beauty Bill Package, would potentially remove carcinogenic ingredients from cosmetic, personal care, and hair products, which could protect Black women and salon workers who are at a high risk of exposure to these ingredients.

Supporters of the bill point out that scientific evidence links harmful ingredients to serious health problems like breast cancer, reproductive issues, early puberty, and learning disabilities. A recent study published in Consumer Reports found carcinogens in 10 types of synthetic braiding hair.

Janet Nudelman, Director of Program and Policy at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, said that the bill will empower the FDA to regulate harmful chemicals, thereby protecting vulnerable populations from potential health concerns.

“These bills recognize that everyone deserves protection from unsafe cosmetic exposures regardless of where they live, shop, or work,” Nudelman said in a July 17 press release.

Included in the package is the Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color & Salon Workers Act, which addresses disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals in cosmetic products marketed to salon workers and women of color, especially Black women. The Cosmetic Supply Chain Transparency Act and the Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right To Know Act will require suppliers to provide full ingredient disclosure and safety information for consumers and product manufacturers. The Toxic-Free Beauty Act aims to ban two classes of chemicals and 18 hazardous substances found in hair products. Lead, mercury, formaldehyde, asbestos, phthalates, and parabens — ingredients linked to cancer, brain damage, and reproductive issues — are common in haircare products marketed to Black women.

“This isn’t a coincidence – this is exploitation. Black women, girls, and salon workers should be able to show up every day as our beautiful, authentic selves, without fear for our health and safety,” said State Representative Ayanna Pressley, who co-authored the bill, in a statement.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration announced plans to decide by April 2024 whether to ban formaldehyde and similar chemicals in hair straightening products sold in the U.S. However, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January halting all new federal regulations, the proposal has stalled.

Chris Paul, retires — (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 18, 2025

Chris Paul’s Plant-Based Brand ‘Good Eat’n’ Now Available In Over 1,000 Walmart Stores

'Everyone loves the taste of Good Eat'n, we know once they try it, they love it. Expanding with Walmart is such a proud moment, as it gets the snacks out there to more people.'

Nearly three years after NBA player Chris Paul introduced his plant-based line Good Eat’n, he has announced that the brand is presently in Walmart stores.

After success in Texas with H-E-B, which has 10 locations in San Antonio, the brand will now be sold in more than 1,000 Walmart stores across the country. Good Eat’n has been in Walmart since June 28.

“As someone who loves to snack, I know how hard it is to find better-for-you options that are flavorful and don’t feel like a compromise,” Paul said in a written statement. “Everyone loves the taste of Good Eat’n, we know once they try it, they love it. Expanding with Walmart is such a proud moment, as it gets the snacks out there to more people”.

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People who have enjoyed the brand and those who haven’t tasted it yet, can pick up five of Good Eat’n’s most popular snacks: Hot Hot Puffs (5oz), Cinnamon Sugar Puffs (5oz), Nacho Cheeze Tortilla Chips (6oz), Big Dill Ranch Tortilla Chips (6oz), and Cookies N’ Creme Popcorn (5oz).

“The Walmart launch marks a major milestone in Good Eat’n’s mission to make plant-based snacking more accessible to consumers seeking better options”, said April Siler, CEO of Good Eat’n. “With approximately 90% of the U.S. population living within 10 miles of a Walmart, this partnership is a step in our goal to make our better-for-you options as accessible as the mainstream alternatives.”

Paul, who is winding down his NBA career, recently stated that the upcoming season may very well be his last. He is currently a free agent, but it’s certain that a team will sign him before the season starts.

Chris Paul has played for seven teams throughout his NBA career. His first team was the New Orleans Hornets (2005-11). From there, he played for the Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17), Houston Rockets (2017-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20), Phoenix Suns (2020-23), Golden State Warriors (2023-24), and San Antonio Spurs (2024-25).

Black farmers, training, HBCU, Arkansas — (Photo: iStock)

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 18, 2025

Black Farmers Say New Anti-DEI Rule From USDA Means ‘Less Food For The Community’

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Trump administration added a new rule revealing the agency will no longer consider race and gender for federal farm programs, sounding the alarm for Black farmers responsible for feeding America

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Trump administration added a new rule revealing the agency will no longer consider race and gender for federal farm programs, sounding the alarm for Black farmers responsible for feeding America, KCUR reports.

Announced July 17 by Secretary Brooke Rollins, the agency labels the decision as a way to “eliminate discrimination,” undoing years of work that attempted to reform a history of discrimination by embedding programs like the 1990 Farm Bill to support “socially disadvantaged farmers,” including Black farmers, women, and veterans. “We are taking this aggressive, unprecedented action to eliminate discrimination in any form at USDA,” Rollins said in a statement.

“It is simply wrong and contrary to the fundamental principle that all persons should be treated equally.”

Black farmers are already feeling the wrath of President Donald Trump’s anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, cutting more than 145 grants worth $148.6 million.

Workers like third-generation East Texas Black farmer Roy Mills believe that continuous rules against diversity will only keep everything at a standstill, resulting in a domino effect for the country’s food processes. “Everything is at a standstill. And we don’t know what the end is going to be,” Mills said, according to the Texas Tribune.

“We’re getting further behind in all the practices that were being implemented. Things that are supposed to be going on have come to a halt.”

Mills and a group of other Black farmers weren’t too surprised at the program’s dismantling, but they weren’t sad to see it go. While data shows that the agency awarded over 615 grants worth roughly $200 million between 2010 and 2023, the Texas farmer says efforts to support Black farmers are not effective.

The U.S. population of Black farmers has declined by 96%. Doctor of economics, finance, and agriculture, Cindy Ayers Elliott, says the reason behind the decline is the lack of assistance received from federal DEI programs. By operating an urban farm in Jackson, Mississippi, Ayers Elliott has helped mitigate the impacts of the country’s food deserts in the majority of Black neighborhoods. She labels the Trump administration’s new announcement as another example of the government failing Black farmers like her. “If I was a turtle, I would be called an endangered species,” Elliott said.

“There are less than 40,000 Black Farmers in America overall.”

Agriculture advocates feel for the farmers targeted by the new rule. Mike Lavender, policy director at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, said the past few months under Trump’s second reign have only made it harder to overcome the uncertainty for the U.S. food system overall. In addition to other issues, the lack of funding that many farmers rely on adds more dents. “They already have to deal with the weather. They already have to deal with pests and input prices. Limiting their variables, limiting the uncertainty, is always a good thing,” Lavender said.

“Unfortunately, what we’ve seen from the first six months or so from this administration is the injection, consistently, of uncertainty for farmers by freezing contracts that farmers lawfully held, by terminating contracts, by terminating projects unexpectedly, by canceling market opportunities for farmers.”

Private Equity, Housing, Healthcare, Rent control, child care, ownership, economic growth, rent — (Photo by: Michael Siluk/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

by Mary Spiller

July 18, 2025

NYU Study Warns Two-Year Limit on Rental Assistance Would Hit Working Families Hardest

A new proposal from the Trump Administration could place a 2 year limit on federal government housing assistance.

A new analysis by NYU’s Housing Solutions Lab revealed that imposing a two-year limit on federal rental subsidies could disproportionately impact the families it aims to help. Researchers examined a decade of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data. The study found that 70% of households nearing the potential cutoff have already benefited from subsidies for two years or more.

This figure excludes seniors and people with disabilities, who are not subject to the proposed limits, currently representing approximately half of the 4.9 million households receiving rent assistance as of 2024.

Conversations surrounding housing assistance have come to the forefront since the Trump administration proposed changes to HUD’s current role in providing stable housing for low-income individuals.

The proposed changes could potentially place a “two-year limit on the federal government’s signature rental assistance programs.”

The study highlights a concerning pattern: these subsidies predominantly support working families with incomes well below their area’s median. These families often include children, who stand to lose a critical safety net.

“Housing assistance is especially impactful for children,” Claudia Aiken, director of new research partnerships at the Housing Solutions Lab, said. “Their health, education, employment, and earnings potential can change in really meaningful ways if they have stable housing.”

One such family is that of Havalah Hopkins, who waited years for assistance in the high-cost Seattle region. In July 2022, she and her son secured a two-bedroom public housing unit in Woodinville, Washington, for $450 a month — 30% of her income.

A comparable market-rate apartment costs around $2,000 more, according to the local housing authority.

“I feel like I was gasping for air and I’m finally able to breathe,” Hopkins said.
The subsidy enabled her to leave an abusive marriage and envision a brighter future as a caterer or party decorator. “We all can’t be lawyers and doctors — and two years isn’t enough to even become that.”

Since the proposal was disclosed, Hopkins has worried about losing stability.

“I’ve been haunted by thoughts of shoving my possessions into a van with my son,” she said.

Nationwide, families typically stay in HUD-assisted housing for about six years. HUD serves nearly 1 million households through public housing and approximately 4 million via Section 8 vouchers.

Lawmakers are debating whether the limits would help reduce waitlists or merely punish vulnerable families.

“These policies are complex and difficult to monitor, enforce, and do well,” Aiken acknowledged.

However, she noted that waitlists are “a bit of a lottery,” and time limits might improve chances for others in line.

Landlords also worry, as reported by the Associated Press, fearing that a two-year cap would destabilize voucher contracts.

Multiple housing groups recently expressed concerns to Congress, arguing that two years is “simply not enough time for most low-income tenants to change their fortunes,” according to Denise Muha, executive director of the National Leased Housing Association.

The fate of time limits now hinges on the 2026 HUD budget, which is under review by the House Appropriations Committee and so far includes no such cap. The Senate’s version is still pending.

“This week, the U.S. House appropriations committee is taking up HUD’s 2026 budget, which so far makes no mention of time limits,” HUD spokesperson Lovett said.

He emphasized the department is working with lawmakers to ensure “a seamless transition and enforcement of any new time limit.”

Noëlle Porter, director of government affairs at the National Housing Law Project, warned that the issue is far from settled.

“It is clearly a stated goal of the administration to impose work requirements and time limits on rental assistance, even though it would be wildly unpopular,” Porter said.

Stefon Diggs, court, not guilty — photo credit: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 18, 2025

Vikings Expected To Troll Stefon Diggs With Offset Music At The Patriots Joint Practice

Stefon Diggs should brace for some lighthearted trolling, likely with Offset’s music blasting in the background.

The New England Patriots’ upcoming joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings could see Cardi B’s new beau, Stefon Diggs, getting trolled with music by her ex-husband, Offset.

Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs will head back to Minnesota, where he played from 2015 to 2019, for joint practices with the Vikings at TCO Performance Center in Eagan on Aug. 13 and 14, Sports Illustrated reported. The teams will pause on Aug. 15 before squaring off in a Week 2 preseason matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 16.

With Diggs being in a hot and heavy public romance with Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, one Vikings player teased the strong likelihood of some playful trolling during the joint practice, involving music from Cardi’s ex, Offset.

“I can definitely see some guys trying to have some influence, like ‘we gotta play these songs.’ I could see a guy being a big advocate for that would be Jonathan Greenard,” Vikings inside linebacker Blake Cashman said on the Ron Johnson Show. “He likes to play those mind games a little bit and keep it fun and light. I would expect to hear some of those songs.”

Cashman expects there to be added media attention on the joint practice, thanks in large part to Diggs’ love life.

“Maybe the media circus that might revolve around Stefon Diggs being back in Minnesota. I’ll be interested to see what people have to say there,” Cashman said. “I’m excited to see what that week looks like for us as a defense and myself.”

The couple recently shut down breakup rumors after reports surfaced claiming Diggs dumped Cardi B over alleged hygiene issues. Once Diggs saw the chatter, he quickly shot it down, responding to a post by calling the claims “cap.”

Stefon Diggs debunks rumors claiming he & Cardi B split via Instagram. pic.twitter.com/hpx9Zaf2Po
— ໊ (@BardisMedia) July 10, 2025

Cardi and Diggs have been going strong since going public with their relationship at the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Since then, the pair have been seen working out together and touring castles in Europe.

Coy Dumas — (Photo: Lynsey Weatherspoon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

July 18, 2025

MARTA CEO Resigns Due To Immigration Complications

Marta CEO, Collie Greenwood, is taking an early retirement, as the Canadian national's US work permit is set to expire July 18.

CEO of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Collie Greenwood, is stepping down due to immigration issues.

Greenwood announced his decision July 17. The CEO cites personal and immigration issues. Greenwood is a Canadian national whose employment in the US required a work permit. Consequently, MARTA Board members revealed July 18, that his employment authorization had expired.

“Mr. Greenwood is a Canadian citizen and was recently notified that his Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is forthcoming after the expiration of his Employment Authorization Document (EAD or work permit) this summer. Upon expiration of his work permit on June 18, 2025, and out of an abundance of caution, Mr. Greenwood ceased working,” MARTA representatives wrote in a statement.

In the statement, the former MARTA CEO further explained his decision. Additionally, he thanked the MARTA team for its commitment to the city and support during his tenure.

“My wife and I have decided this is a good opportunity to take an early retirement and spend more time with our family and friends. I do want to thank the board, the executive leadership team, and everyone at MARTA for their support and their continued work to improve and grow transit service in this region,” Greenwood said.

Board Chair Jennifer Ide spoke about Greenwood’s accomplishments and longtime service.

“Collie came to MARTA with a tremendous knowledge of transit and an innovative mind and has led the Authority through some challenges and great successes,” said Ide. “My fellow board members and I are thankful for his leadership and wish him and his family the best.”

Mayor Andre Dickens praised Greenwood’s service, calling it “essential” to Atlanta’s goals for equity, economic mobility, and sustainability. 

Greenwood was appointed permanent CEO in late 2022. Shortly after, MARTA launched its large infrastructure plans. The plans included bus rapid transit routes, station renovations, and a full-scale bus redesign. The move comes as MARTA prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and continues a $2.7 billion transit expansion.

Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen has been named interim GM and CEO as MARTA begins its search for permanent leadership.

Kai Cenat, Streamer, live, twitch, mental health — (Photo: Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

July 18, 2025

Kai Cenat Claims He Was Called The N-Word By Adin Ross’ Manager

Popular Streamer says Adin Ross's manager went on a racist tirade after he declined to collaborate with the Kick streamer.

Notable streamer Kai Cenat reveals he was called the N-word when he did not commit to a collaboration opportunity.

Cenat discussed the interaction with his Twitch audience July 17. The streamer claims that while on a call with Adin Ross’s manager, he was verbally harassed. Ross’s manager, Taav Cooperman, offered Cenat a private jet to attend a commercial shoot. However, Cenat, a multimillionaire online personality, was unsure he could commit to the job.

“Taav called me late at night, 4 AM, drunk or off something; out of his mind. He calls me at 4 AM. He wants me to be there the evening of the next day. I tell him, I say, ‘Yo, Taav, I don’t think I’m going to be able to do it. But I’ll let you know, bro,’” Cenat said.

Cooperman did not react well to the refusal. According to Cenat, Cooperman went on an extended rant detailing Ross’s gambling addiction and the necessity of the collaboration. Additionally, he congratulated Cenat on his multiple brand deals. In this tirade, Cooperman used the N-word multiple times.

“Then, going to tell me, ‘I’m with Adin right now. He’s losing millions in his gambling s**t. If he keeps this up, Imma go with the FaZe Guys.'”

“He then forwards and says, ‘Yo, Kai, I just want to say, man, congrats on all the brand deals you doing. I know that, from Nike to McDonald’s.’ Taav is a White man, by the way. He proceeds to say, ‘From Nike to McDonald’s, but bro, keep it real, bro, n***a, a Chicken Big Mac, n***a?! N***a, a Chicken Big Mac, n***a?!’ He on my phone, calling me the N-word at 4 AM in the f**king morning! You supposed to be a n***a’s manager. What’s up with you?” Cenat continued.

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Cooperman’s lack of professionalism and use of racial slurs did not sit well with Cenat. As a result, he began to distance himself from the Kick streamer, Ross. He says he considered outing Cooperman, a white man. However, he did not want to ruin Ross’s birthday. Still, Cenat believes continued collaboration between the two men is counterproductive as Ross’s fan base espouses racism regularly.

Recently, Ross was called out by hosts of The Breakfast Club. During an interview with streamer N3on, Ross joined the live stream chat of the interview and claimed the hosts were attempting to belittle him as they held N3on accountable for racist comments against Kai Cenat.

“N3on, I promise you, tryna belittle you and disrespect you. You s**tin’ on all of them. They weird as f**k. F**k them.”

Ross’s interjection led to co-host Jess Hilarious directly calling out Ross.

“This is not Adin Ross’ interview, so f**k him too,” Jess Hilarious said.

Streaming has become a multimillion-dollar industry. Kai Cenat recently turned down an eight-figure deal to join the Kick streaming universe with Adin Ross. Unfortunately, rage bait and shock value come along with the territory. Many streamers who claim not to be racists or misogynists have been called out for fostering a community where those sentiments are allowed. It appears that while these attitudes persist online, they are also prevailing behind the scenes.

Howard University, hospital, trauma — (Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 18, 2025

Howard University Teams Up With Google To Help AI Better Understand Black Voices

Howard University has partnered with Google to spearhead efforts to enhance AI’s ability to understand African American English (AAE).

Howard University has partnered with Google Research to enhance the ability of artificial intelligence to recognize and better process African American English (AAE).

Called Project Elevate Black Voices, the initiative focuses on helping AI systems better understand African American English (AAE) across its many dialects, the school’s blog, The Dig, announced. With AAE often underrepresented or misinterpreted by current AI, the project aims to develop automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems that are more equitable for all users.

“African American English has been at the forefront of United States culture since almost the beginning of the country,” said Dr. Gloria Washington, co-principal investigator and Howard computer science professor. “Voice assistant technology should understand different dialects of all African American English to truly serve not just African Americans, but others who speak these unique dialects.”

With AI’s rapid growth, automatic speech recognition (ASR) tools now power everything from smartphones to smart speakers and car systems. However, many Black users report that they often modify their natural speech patterns to ensure they are understood. Researchers point to the lack of training data that reflects the way Black communities communicate, which has conditioned many to adjust their voices (or code switch) as ASR technologies frequently struggle to recognize African American English accurately.

To build these AAE-focused ASR systems, Howard and Google researchers created a groundbreaking dataset featuring over 600 hours of recorded speech, collected from speakers across 32 states and representing a wide range of African American English dialects. While Google can use the dataset to enhance its products, Howard University will maintain full ownership and control over licensing. The HBCU will also oversee its ethical use, ensuring the data benefits the very communities it represents.

“I wanted to carefully curate the community activations to be a safe and trusted space,” said Dr. Lucretia Williams, who led community outreach for the project, and emphasized the importance of trust and privacy. “It’s not just about data. It’s about voice, identity, and accountability.”

As AI becomes more ingrained in everyday life, this collaboration between an HBCU and a tech giant serves as a blueprint for building technology that’s both inclusive and equitable.

“It’s our mission at Google to make technology that’s useful and accessible,” Courtney Heldreth, principal investigator at Google Research, said. “I truly believe that our work here will allow more users to express themselves authentically when using smart devices.”