According to Queen Latifah, artificial intelligence is highly regarded in her estimation as long as it is being utilized effectively.
The 53-year-old star of “The Equalizer” expresses her endorsement of artificial intelligence by partnering with Lenovo on its Develop Little project. She leverages her digital representation to bolster the advancement of small businesses.
Reflecting on her history of co-founding a talent management company alongside Rakim in the late 1980s and early 1990s, she shares, “Yoga approached me with the concept, recognizing the challenges of sustaining operations and staying afloat.”
“From managing artists like SWV, Naughty By Nature, and Monica, we oversaw a roster of approximately 11 esteemed musicians in one location. As novices in the field, we encountered a steep learning curve. Having resources like this at our disposal would have been invaluable given the inevitable highs and lows.”
Queen Latifah has committed to endorsing a curated selection of small enterprises in six major cities through AI-tailored advertisements featured on various platforms as part of Lenovo’s Evolve Small initiative aimed at championing and empowering small businesses.
Businesses in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Raleigh, Toronto, or Los Angeles now have the opportunity to enlist the services of the accomplished Emmy and Grammy award-winning artist as their primary online strategist.
The accomplished artist is an advocate for Lenovo’s Evolve program.
Acknowledging her reservations about AI, she discloses, “We’ve been deliberating on this for some time, and I, like many others, harbor concerns.” However, we engage in dialogue on how best to leverage my image and likeness.
Highlighting the benefits, she notes, “I no longer need to traverse six different cities or invest hours in video production.” The content can be personalized to suit their specific requirements.
The most significant advantage, she emphasizes, is the capacity to extend support, particularly to businesses owned by individuals from marginalized groups such as people of color, women, and individuals with disabilities. Queen Latifah asserts, “The reality is that most businesses may not have the financial means to engage my services, yet they warrant such promotional opportunities.” Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.
Addressing the irreversible nature of technological advancements, she remarks, “I believe this is a path we cannot retreat from,” reiterating her ongoing apprehensions about AI and the replication of her digital persona. Hence, her primary objective is to channel these innovations towards aiding others and ensuring their prosperity.
While she advocates for stringent regulations governing this emerging technology, particularly within the realm of Hollywood, she expresses solidarity with the [SAG-AFTRA] union. She underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals’ rights against perpetual digital reproductions. “No one desires their likeness to be endlessly recreated. That is unacceptable.”
Expressing relief at the resolution of recent industry disputes, she underscores the significance of reaching a consensus for the future of the entertainment sector. As she prepares to resume filming for “The Equalizer” next month, with a new episode scheduled to air on February 18th, she affirms her commitment to her craft and the industry at large.
