Learn More About Black Tech Street
Who are they?
Black Tech Street is at the forefront of reimagining Greenwood in Tulsa as the world’s leading Black innovation economy, rooted in the legacy of Black Wall Street. Through the Greenwood AI/AS Center of Excellence (G-ACE), Black Tech Street is pioneering the development of AI-powered societies, integrating technology into every facet of community and economic life. Their work serves as a living prototype for how artificial intelligence can create resilient, innovative, and transformative communities.
What projects might I work on?
As an Applied Socio-Technical Theories of AI Research Intern, the MIT intern will collaborate with Black Tech Street’s Executive Director (ED) and Sean Alexander to explore, develop, and document socio-technical frameworks that redefine how AI can empower communities and shape a model for safe and successful AI-powered societies. The intern’s role will involve conducting interdisciplinary research, engaging with leading thinkers, and co-authoring a white paper with the ED to establish foundational theories that guide Black Tech Street’s mission.
What will working on projects look like?
The MIT intern’s key responsibilities will include:
- Research & Documentation:
- Study and document Black Tech Street’s initiatives and methodologies for piloting AI-powered societies.
- Conduct interdisciplinary research on socio-technical frameworks at the intersection of technology, sociology, and innovation.
- Collaborative Framework Development:
- Meet regularly with Black Tech Street ED and Sean Alexander to develop and refine Applied Socio-Technical Theories of AI.
- Contribute to the articulation of a holistic framework for AI’s role in societal transformation.
- Strategic Partnership Development:
- Identify leading research institutions and scholars for potential collaboration on socio-technical AI theories.
- Engage academic and industry stakeholders to support Black Tech Street’s objectives.
- Thought Leadership:
- Co-author a white paper with Black Tech Street ED, detailing a framework for AI-powered societies.
- Prepare presentations and materials to communicate research findings and theories to internal and external audiences.
- Outreach and Dissemination:
- Develop communication strategies to position Black Tech Street as a thought leader in socio-technical AI theories.
- Present research findings in forums, webinars, or other academic and community platforms.
What could I expect to learn from this experience?
The intern will have the opportunity to collaborate directly with visionary leaders, including Black Tech Street ED and Sean Alexander, on groundbreaking socio-technical frameworks. They will develop thought leadership skills by co-authoring a foundational white paper on AI-powered societies. Not only will they gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research and partnership development, but be part of a transformative initiative that redefines the role of technology in societal progress.
What skills are they looking for in a strong candidate?
The required qualifications for this position are:
- Currently enrolled as a student at MIT, with a focus on sociology, technology studies, artificial intelligence, or related fields.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with experience conducting interdisciplinary studies.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to distill complex ideas into accessible frameworks.
- Passion for exploring the intersection of technology, community impact, and social transformation.
The preferred, but not required, qualifications for this position are:
- Familiarity with AI concepts and applications, particularly in societal and ethical contexts.
- Experience in developing academic or professional publications.
- Interest in economic development and the role of technology in shaping future societies.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
