Morgan’s Center for Equitable AI and Machine Learning Systems to Test Efficacy and Functionality of New Inclusive Large Language Model AI

CEAMLS to Collaborate with Latimer, developer of a first-of-its-kind AI platform designed to be more reflective and representative of BIPOC communities, history and culture

BALTIMORE – Advancing its mission to innovative technologies void of the inherent bias that can perpetuate inequities and disparities, Morgan State University’s Center for Equitable AI and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS) is collaborating with Latimer.ai on the first inclusive Large Language Model (LLM) designed to serve artificial intelligence (AI) users through a racially inclusive LLM experience where the cultural and historical perspectives of Black and Brown people are deeply embedded with the platform. Researchers at CEAMLS will conduct quality assurance and quality control testing of the LLM model.

"The Center is proud to partner with Latimer as we strive towards a future where AI transcends its traditional boundaries to capture the complex mosaic of African American history and culture,” said Kofi Nyarko, D.Eng., professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering with Morgan’s Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering and director of CEAMLS. “Our collaborative efforts will intensify the pursuit of unbiased AI, ensuring that the digital landscape is as diverse and inclusive as the communities we serve. Through this partnership, we are not just shaping technology but crafting a more inclusive digital narrative for generations to come."

In addition to testing and validating Latimer's performance and functionality, Morgan State students will have access to the LLM. As early adoption users in the beta LLM, students will have the opportunity to further test the efficacy of the AI platform in real-time and applied settings.

"We are thrilled to be reaching the next stage of Latimer's launch," says John Pasmore, Latimer Founder and CEO. "Latimer represents an AI evolution, a model built to better serve distinct audiences by augmenting the data available to accurately answer queries about the history and culture of Black and Brown audiences."

Latimer is the premier online Artificial Intelligence resource for accurate historical information and bias-free interaction for Black and Brown audiences. Unlike other LLM's, Latimer uses licensed content from esteemed sources, such as the recently announced exclusive partnership with New York Amsterdam News, to build its training platform. The model is constructed as a Retrieval Augmented Generation ("RAG" Model); in this construction, the Latimer-specific data is used to build a new vector database that responds to queries with more recent information. At the same time, the overall application still uses a base or foundation model for queries that are not specific to its dataset.

"As we build out Latimer, we will enable systems that allow for automation and continue to make the content more reliably free of bias and inaccuracies. Latimer is the first of its kind – a model that looks to ensure the representation of Black and Brown people, now and into the future," added Pasmore.

Established in 2022, CEAMLS researchers focus on facilitating the development, deployment and verification of socially responsible and equitable artificial intelligence systems. Among the primary areas of interest include the development of formal standards for data preparation, model training, and deployment to promote equitable AI. The Center also delves into the intricate intersection of philosophy and science in which the ethics of AI and the impacts of its widespread application are examined. 

According to Dr. Nyrako, the Center aims to accomplish its mission through the formalization of testing protocols for new AI innovations that ultimately promote the detection and mitigation of algorithmic bias.

“Initiatives like the Latimer project speak directly to the type of research and impact CEAMLS seeks in our quest to uproot the inherent bias that can be part of the foundational datasets with AI models in which inclusion and representation are not present in the early stages of development,” added Dr. Nyarko.

About Latimer

AI is amplifying the bias, inaccuracy, and erasure of Black and Brown cultural data. Latimer was built to solve this. Founded and led by serial entrepreneur John N. Pasmore, Latimer has gathered some of the most notable names across various industries to create a more inclusive and equitable platform and built a RAG Model with its proprietary vector database, which sits on top of a foundation model, which is currently Open AI's Chat GPT. Named for Lewis Latimer, a Black inventor whose legacy and historical scientific contributions are often overlooked, the LLM provides users with more accurate details, reflecting the experience, culture, and history of Black and Brown people. To learn more or join the waitlist, please visit www.latimer.ai.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

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Media Contacts:

Dell Jackson or Larry Jones, for University PR
443-885-3022

Leslie Friebert, for Latimer PR
917-841-0560