Racial Injustice and AI: The Harrowing Tale of a Black Teenessence Amidst a Doritos Bag and a Gun

A striking incident involving a 16-year-old Black student-athlete has weighed heavily on my mind. After practice at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Taki Allen casually shared snacks with friends while awaiting a ride. Suddenly, eight police vehicles arrived, officers brandishing firearms as they ordered him to the ground, falsely believing a crumpled Doritos bag was a gun.Taki’s fear, amplified by the presence of armed officers, was palpable. Even after body-camera footage confirmed the absence of any weapon, he was treated as a threat. This incident evokes memories of Trayvon Martin, who faced a similar fate while simply walking home.The AI vendor, Omnilert, mistakenly flagged a possible firearm, leading to poorly judged police intervention. This troubling event highlights a broader issue: racial bias embedded in technology perpetuates injustice at alarming rates. True accountability requires community involvement and a reassessment of AI policies, ensuring that children are protected, not criminalized.