Much attention is often given to the drawbacks of artificial intelligence (AI), yet the positive aspects are equally noteworthy. Consider the potential for engaging with authors or historical figures by inputting their writings into a vast language model. While James Lowry might not be a widely recognized name, his story is integral to the Black American experience. Growing up in Chicago, serving in the Peace Corps during the early 1960s, and becoming the inaugural Black consultant at McKinsey in 1968, Lowry has devoted his life to encouraging major corporations to invest in historically marginalized communities.
In his recently published book, “Change Agent,” which delves into his life, Lowry reflects on his experiences. Kobie Fuller, a general partner at Upfront Ventures, has pioneered a custom generative AI approach, known as Kobie AI, to transform the traditional blog post into an interactive medium. Fuller has experimented with various subjects, from bartending to emotions in marketing, and the latest venture involves Jim Lowry AI for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). By feeding Lowry’s book into a large language model, users can now pose questions about DEI, and the results are notably impressive.
Fuller emphasizes the privilege of conversing with Lowry at any time through this technology, providing others with a similar opportunity. He describes the interactive representation of Lowry’s book as a means to explore the richness of Jim’s life. Lowry wrote his book not only to share his life experiences but also recognizing that not everyone may read a lengthy book. AI, in this context, offers people a chance to grasp some of Lowry’s life insights by simply asking questions.
The AI interaction begins with a prompt inviting users to inquire about DEI work, acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic. Lowry expresses openness to questions and offers to share wisdom from his life’s journey. This interactive experience allows individuals, such as students, historians, or DEI professionals, to ask detailed questions about DEI issues or inquire about specific moments in Lowry’s life, like his encounter with Senator Robert F. Kennedy during his Peace Corps service in the mid-1960s.
This innovative use of AI enables people to engage with Lowry through his work, creating a lasting legacy and serving as an educational tool for future generations seeking to understand the experiences of a Black man in American business. As Fuller explores the capabilities of this technology, it exemplifies the potential of generative AI to help people comprehend diverse experiences and act as a platform for interacting with other significant historical figures.
