DURHAM, NC (January 23, 2026) — Today, the Co-Chairs of the House Democrat Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33) hosted a roundtable discussion on ethical AI workforce development in conjunction with the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Graduate Student Association. The NCCU Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER), the first AI Institute at an HBCU, took part in the event.
The Triangle Region is one of the largest research hubs in the United States and is home to top colleges and universities that are educating the innovators who will develop the next generation of cutting-edge technologies. The discussions during the roundtable centered around how Congress can help support a diverse AI workforce, activate partnerships to ensure investment in ethical AI development, and expand HBCU access to research, education, and innovation opportunities.
The event featured local academic, student, economic development, industry, and state government leaders focused on the importance of bringing together a diverse set of voices to the table when discussing and considering the future of AI policy. Among the attendees were NCCU Provost Ontario Wooden, Founding Director of IAIER Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, IBM’s Global Leader for Trustworthy AI, OpenAI’s Chief Economist Ronnie Chatterji, North Carolina State Senator Natalie Murdock (NC-20) and North Carolina State Representative Zack Hawkins (NC-31).
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping our workforce and economy at an unprecedented rate. As students, including those at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, prepare to enter a rapidly evolving and uncertain job market, it is imperative that Congress acts to support a diverse AI workforce, ensure responsible and ethical AI development, and expand access to research, education, and innovation opportunities,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “I am grateful to the local and national leaders who are ready to work with us to ensure that AI serves that public interest. Until comprehensive policies and proper guardrails are in place, we remain committed to engaging with students, educators, and communities to advance equity, accountability, and opportunity for all Americans.”
“As we scale up the work of the AI Commission, my colleagues and I remain committed to engaging directly with those on the front lines of artificial intelligence, including leaders from civil society, academia, student communities, economic development, industry, and state government,” said Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33). “This roundtable was especially valuable for the opportunity to hear from the students and leadership of North Carolina Central University’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research, which is the first AI institute at an HBCU. They are leading the way in preparing the next generation to live and work in an AI-enabled world. I thank Congresswoman Foushee for convening this important discussion on artificial intelligence with local stakeholders.”
“Roundtables like today’s underscore the importance of the work underway at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research,” said Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, Founding Director of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER). “Advancing artificial intelligence requires collaboration across students, faculty, industry, government, and higher education. NCCU is uniquely positioned to play this role as the only publicly funded HBCU in the Research Triangle region. By convening expertise from across sectors, NCCU is helping shape practical pathways for preparing an AI-ready workforce and informing responsible innovation at a national level.”