Baltimore daily roundup: A network to empower Black leaders; AI’s double-edged sword for music; UB pitches

This Black founder wants to help other Black leaders

Jade Merritt established The BLK ED Network in 2021 to address challenges faced by Black-led philanthropic organizations, including inadequate representation and resources. Through recurring events, a podcast and an accelerator program, Merritt aims to empower Black nonprofit leaders and bridge the sector’s racial leadership gap.

The network also continues to expand its reach beyond Maryland, offering resources and opportunities for Black nonprofit leaders nationwide.

➡️ Learn more about The BLK ED Network and its initiatives.

AI’s benefits — and threats — to music

My colleague Kaela Roeder recently covered the Recording Academy’s Grammys on the Hill event, which explored artificial intelligence’s impact on the arts while also recognizing Sens. John Cornyn and Amy Klobuchar for their efforts to protect musicians’ rights.

Kaela’s article particularly focuses on the recurring event’s first-ever Future Forum, in which artists and other professionals discussed what AI can do for inspiration, as well as where regulation is needed to protect artists’ rights.

➡️ Learn more about the Future Forum in Kaela’s article here.

News Incubator: What else to know today

Six University of Baltimore students and alumni showcased business ideas and ongoing ventures at the school’s 12th Annual Rise to the Challenge business pitch event last week. [University of Baltimore]

• Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr. received the 2024 Edwin F. Church Medal from The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for his contributions to mechanical engineering education. ASME also established a scholarship fund in his name to support male students pursuing engineering degrees at Morgan State University, where Barton serves as dean. [ABET]

• Women are making major contributions to AI. Learn more about some of their work to promote diversity and ethical practices in the industry. [TechCrunch]

• Emergent BioSolutions, based in Gaithersburg, is shutting down its manufacturing plants in the state and laying off approximately 300 employees. [Baltimore Banner]

• Mahe Bayreddi, CEO of HR tech unicorn Phenom, discusses AI’s role in recruitment and hiring with Technical.ly CEO Chris Wink. [Technical.ly]

🗓️ On the Calendar