Courtesy photo
By Shirley Hawkins
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — Black Boys Code, a national nonprofit organization designed to close the digital divide for young Black males, is launching a new division in Los Angeles Feb. 22.
To celebrate the launch, Black Boys Code will be offering “Celebrating Black Excellence in STEM,” an in-person and virtual event. Potential attendees must register on the Black Boys Code website at www.blackboyscode.com.
“Our launch in L.A. is more than just an event; it’s the beginning of a journey to nurture a new generation of tech enthusiasts, thinkers and leaders,” said Phillip Banks, chapter president.
“Our mission is to show young Black boys that the possibilities in technology are limitless, and they have the talent and capability to lead in this field,” said Bryan Johnson, founder and CEO of Black Boys Code. “By launching our newest chapter in L.A., we aim to inspire, educate and equip the next generation of Black leaders in technology.
The ImaginAItion Workshop to celebrate Black History Month is designed for boys (ages 8-12 and 13–17) and will be held at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, 6109 Western Ave. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The immersive, hands-on event will have participants exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, creativity and Black innovation in technology.
Whether they are new or already have some experience, they will engage in interactive activities that showcase the power of artificial intelligence — generating text, images and even short video clips.
The workshops hopes to spark innovation, build confidence, and foster a supportive environment for all.
Two workshops will be offered, including the Beginner Path that will cover the following topics: AI Basics, where participants learn fundamental artificial intelligence concepts and how computers make decisions; Prompt Writing 101, in which they create clear, effective prompts to generate AI text and simple images; Interactive Exercises that engage in fun activities that illustrate how AI can solve everyday problems; a mini-project which involves producing a short description of an invention and a corresponding marketing image; and celebrate Black innovators, which teaches inspirational stories of pioneering Black technologists while building new skills.
The Advanced Path will include: a deep dive into promptology that refine prompts for more sophisticated AI-generated outputs, including image styles and short videos; complex AI challenges which tackle real-world scenarios and brainstorming exercises to stretch creative thinking; patent-style diagrams that involve technical diagrams of imagined inventions using AI-driven line art and labeling techniques; marketing and video to develop promotional images and short video clips to bring concepts to life; and Black excellence in STEM, which teaches about significant Black innovators in tech, drawing inspiration for advanced AI projects.
All necessary learning resources — including software, devices, and instructional materials — will be provided during the workshop.
Girls also are encouraged to join Black Boys Code.
For more information, visit blackboyscode.com
Shirley Hawkins is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at shirleyhawkins700@gmail.com.
