Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines

by Joy Buolamwini

I learned there was a TEDxBeaconStreet event taking place in mid-November, and while speakers had already been selected, John Werner, the organizer, was a familiar face around the Media Lab. The main stage schedule was already full, but John offered a slot on the TEDxYouth@BeaconStreet program. It wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but it was enough of a crack of the door to get going. I worked on my talk and then I emailed John in an attempt to persuade him to give me a chance on the main stage. He paired me with a speaking coach and resources on how to give a compelling talk. By the time I had refined my talk and attended a few of the practice sessions, John had invited me to the main stage, as long as I felt comfortable given the short time frame. He cautioned that I would have just a few weeks to prepare instead of the normal three months. This was the invitation I was waiting for. I accepted the challenge. On the day of the event, John greeted me and two friends who had come as emotional support. The day before, they had served as my audience as I practiced. By the time I committed my talk to memory they could repeat some of the parts with me. To add some flair, I decided to repurpose some of the elements of the MFA exhibition by bringing one of the newly minted shields with AJL etched on the front on top of a sly smile. Showtime had arrived. Backstage, a technician outfitted me with a “flesh color” microphone. The pale pink color didn’t quite match my gleaming milk chocolate...