Hi, I'm Calvin

In June 2019, my life took an unexpected turn. I thought I might not make it—not just because of the health scare that forced me into ‘self-reflection mode,’ but due to the overwhelming guilt of staying silent about AI’s risks, especially its impact on my community. I even blame AI for contributing to that scare—not the technology itself, but its use in medical decisions prioritizing cost-cutting over personalized care, often with harmful outcomes. Read more about my experience and the link between race-based medicine and AI here: Race-Based Medicine in the Age of AI: Why Profit Still Trumps Patient Care.

In 2022, I decided to share my story by writing a book that exposed the harmful impacts of AI systems on people of color. Hidden in White Sight was released in 2023, becoming a bestseller and sparking a global movement.

This led to something bigger: I founded AI 4 Black Kids, a nonprofit to educate and empower future generations, and launched Street Justice: AI Unhinged, a podcast uncovering real stories of those affected by AI. On the podcast, I reveal What They Don’t Want You to Know.

Show Me How

I’ve made it my mission to pull back the curtain on AI and empower people to take control of its impact on their lives. Join me, and I’ll show you how we can make sure this powerful technology is used responsibly and ethically—to protect, not harm, our communities.

I figure if I can spare you some of the hard lessons I’ve had to learn—helping you avoid the pitfalls and navigate AI with clarity and purpose—then that’s a legacy worth building.

Where the Journey to Justice Began

Calvin Lawrence
saw Injustice Before He Could Define It

Calvin Lawrence’s story began in the neighborhoods of public housing, where he grew up with a front-row seat to the realities of bias in policing and the deep roots of systemic and institutional racism. Long before artificial intelligence became a tool for social examination, young Calvin observed patterns of discrimination and unfair treatment that would later shape his life’s work. These early experiences ignited in him a passion for justice and equity, a drive to question the systems around him, and a vision of technology as a force for good. He knew then that he would one day use his voice—and his expertise—to confront these injustices head-on.

Since that time, Calvin has become the go-to expert for ethical
and responsible AI in both business and societal contexts..

Calvin D. Lawrence, a visionary in artificial intelligence, earned his master’s degree in the 1990s, establishing himself as a trailblazer in a rapidly emerging field. With a career defined by groundbreaking achievements, he led IBM’s pioneering efforts in responsible AI, ultimately becoming the company’s first-ever CTO of Responsible AI. Recognized for his extraordinary contributions, Calvin was named an IBM Distinguished Engineer in 2015, cementing his legacy as a leader shaping the future of ethical and innovative AI solutions. He has over 30 patents and is a member of IBM’s Academy of Technology.

With a career spanning almost 30 years and numerous influential roles, including CTO of Smarter Cities, CTO of Middle East and Africa, and CTO of Cognitive Computing, Lawrence has amassed over 30 patents. He is also the award-winning author of Hidden in White Sight, a critical work examining AI's role in systemic bias, and the founder of AI 4 Black Kids, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through ethical AI education.

Eight Key Insights into Calvin D. Lawrence's Impact and Legacy

  • Author of the bestselling book Hidden in White Sight: How AI Empowers and Deepens Systemic Racism
  • A 30-year career in AI, designing and deploying systems that shape industries
  • Keynote speaker and trusted voice on ethical AI and technology's impact on communities of color
  • Host of the podcast Street Justice: AI Unhinged, exposing the unseen impacts of AI
  • Founder of the nonprofit AI 4 Black Kids, committed to empowering youth through AI education
  • Distinguished Engineer, IBM’s first-ever CTO for Responsible AI, and a member of IBM's AI Ethics Board
  • PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence, graduating in 2025
  • Proud father and dedicated community advocate
I’m Looking forward to Learning More About You and Your Business

Stay On the Right Side of History with Calvin

Calvin will engage you with real-life insights drawn from his own journey with AI. Each issue of Calvin ’ s renowned monthly newsletter is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, thought-provoking discussions, lessons learned, and the tools you need to harness the power of AI responsibly and make a positive impact in your community.
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