Episode 31 - Civil Rights in the Age of AI: Renee Cummings on Justice Data, and Young People’s Futures
Shifting the Narrative: Fairness, Data, and Imagination in Reforming Justice Systems
In episode 31 of "What I Know Now", hosted by The Delta Project, Cole Williams welcomes renowned criminologist, data activist, and University of Virginia professor Renee Cummings to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, justice reform, and youth empowerment.
This timely discussion dives deep into how algorithms and data-driven technologies are reshaping the social contract and impacting civil rights, especially for young people navigating justice systems. Renee Cummings offers invaluable insight into the complexities and risks of predictive analytics, how historic criminal justice data can reinforce systemic bias, and why data privacy and agency are crucial for both youth and communities. She emphasizes the importance of imagination, interdisciplinary approaches, and reimagining risk and decision-making, not just in the justice system, but in personal growth and rehabilitation.
Listeners are encouraged to think critically about the data they share, understand their digital identities, and use social media as a vision board to empower positive futures. For organizations working in youth justice, Renee Cummings challenges traditional paradigms, advocating for trauma-informed, innovative uses of technology—such as immersive justice experiences—to support better decision-making and growth.
This episode is a must-listen for advocates, nonprofits, parents, and anyone interested in ethical tech, equity, and the future of justice reform. Discover actionable takeaways on leveraging AI for good, questioning the decisions algorithms make about us, and fostering a shift toward compassion, imagination, and community intelligence in the digital age.
