Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept—it's a powerful force already shaping the way we live, work, and care for ourselves. At the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, a dynamic panel of experts gathered to discuss how AI is driving innovation in health, beauty, and Black communities, and why it's crucial for everyone to be part of this technological revolution.
The conversation, moderated by Chike Aguh, Senior Advisor to Project Workforce at Harvard, brought together leaders from healthcare, beauty, and tech. Their message was clear: AI is here, and its impact is both profound and personal.
AI in Healthcare: Empowerment Through Information
Josette Gbemudu, Associate Vice President of Patient Health Innovation at Merck & Co., highlighted how AI is transforming healthcare. From enabling earlier diagnoses to creating personalized treatment plans based on genetics and lifestyle, AI is helping people take control of their health. Gbemudu pointed to the sobering statistic that Black women face a 40% higher mortality rate from breast cancer. With AI-powered digital tools, women can better understand their risks and take proactive steps sooner. Her advice? Use AI-driven information to make empowered health decisions.
Personalized Beauty: Reflecting Real Diversity
Rahquel Purcell, Chief Transformation Officer at L’Oréal North America, shared how AI is revolutionizing the beauty industry. By analyzing everything from skin health to the age of each hair strand, AI enables the creation of beauty products and routines tailored to individual needs. This is especially important for people with diverse hair types, skin tones, and lifestyles. Purcell emphasized that AI won't replace people, but it will change how we approach self-care. The key is to stay curious and take ownership of your beauty journey, using AI as a tool for personalization and empowerment.
Addressing Bias: Building AI for the Community, by the Community
Esosa Osa, founder of Onyx Impact, reminded the audience that AI can reinforce systemic biases if not designed with inclusivity in mind. AI already influences the news we see, the jobs we get, and the healthcare we receive. Osa's organization developed "Aisha," an AI assistant trained on Black news, joy, and history, to ensure cultural representation. Her call to action: If Black communities don't build their own AI systems, others will do it for—or against—them.
Actionable Takeaways for the Future
- Stay informed: Learn how AI is being used in your daily life, from health apps to beauty recommendations.
- Embrace curiosity: Ask questions about how AI tools work and how they can serve your unique needs.
- Advocate for representation: Support and use AI tools designed with your community in mind.
- Take ownership: Use AI-driven insights to make empowered choices about your health, beauty, and information.
Summary of Key Points
- AI is already transforming healthcare and beauty, offering personalized solutions and addressing disparities.
- Community involvement is essential to ensure AI serves diverse needs and avoids reinforcing bias.
- Staying curious and informed empowers individuals to make the most of AI-driven opportunities.
- Representation in AI development leads to more inclusive and effective tools.
- The future of AI is in our hands—let's shape it together.