The development of AI has been the fastest technological advancement we’ve ever experienced. People often compare it to the introduction of the internet or cell phones, but AI is on a completely different level. Nothing else has increased in capability or grown in user adoption as rapidly as AI.
It’s fascinating and strange because, while it feels like everyone is talking about it, there still aren’t enough serious conversations about its impact. It’s a unique phenomenon unfolding right before our eyes.
In a rapidly evolving technological world where AI is revolutionizing industries, Monk Inyang, co-founder and CEO of 1st Street Partnerships, is on a mission to ensure minorities and small businesses aren’t left behind.
With a vision to bridge the knowledge gap and empower underrepresented communities, his organization provides accessible AI education and training aimed at future-proofing economic equity and advancement.
Inyang’s journey into AI education began during his years working in corporate strategy and marketing. He saw firsthand how AI tools could amplify creativity and efficiency. But he also saw a glaring issue: minorities and small businesses lacked the same access to these powerful tools and the knowledge to use them effectively.
When you talk about AI, most people think of ChatGPT, but this space has been here for a while, Now, with open-source technologies allowing everyone — from tech experts to novices — to dip their toes in, it’s about making sure everyone has the opportunity to harness AI’s potential.
During an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, Inyang explained the motivation behind the work he does alongside his brother, Ifiok Inyang.
“We are an AI training organization, and essentially the work that we do through 1st Street Partnerships is to reinforce the importance of AI and workforce development to drive economic mobility and future-proof equity,” Inyang said. “This is essentially a technology that has the power to advance economic equality and empowerment. So we’re kind of tasked with helping people understand that through education and accessibility.”
One of the key initiatives of 1st Street Partnerships includes working with Morgan State University’s fashion design students to integrate AI education into their creative process.
The organization has also presented to cultural hubs and major corporations such as Lyft and Harlem Fashion Row, advocating for equitable AI access and ensuring that individuals and businesses, especially those from underrepresented communities, have the resources to harness AI’s power and benefits.
Inyang’s efforts recently received a boost from comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart, whose The Coramino Fund has partnered with 1st Street Partnerships to broaden their reach. The Coramino Fund, which provides $10,000 grants to under-resourced small businesses and entrepreneurs, now includes AI education tools to help grantees keep their businesses agile in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
“We are incredibly honored to be working with Kevin Hart’s Grand Caramino Tequila on their next cohort of The Caramino Fund,” Inyang shared. “The fund is basically the brand’s give-back program to support small business owners and entrepreneurs with grants and learning opportunities. So for this year, we’re actually going to be providing community-based AI education and training to those small business owners that are granted funds this year through through the brand.”
Teaming up with Kevin Hart’s The Coramino Fund has elevated 1st Street Partnerships’ mission. The partnership will bring AI training and tools directly to minority entrepreneurs across various industries.
Anyone 21 or older can visit grancoramino.com/fund to nominate their own small business or their favorite small business for a chance to win funding and AI training opportunities through The Coramino Fund.
Inyang’s work with 1st Street Partnerships is about more than just providing AI training. It’s about creating a future where technology truly serves everyone. By providing access to AI tools and education to underserved communities, Inyang is working to dismantle the barriers preventing minorities and small businesses from participating in the AI revolution.
As AI continues to shape the future, thanks to efforts like those of 1st Street Partnerships and The Coramino Fund, more individuals and businesses will be equipped to harness the power of AI for economic growth and innovation.
Check out the full interview.
