Focus

Subjects: English | Media Studies | Politics | Civics | Technology | Equity | Law | Challenge and Change | Computer Science

Modern society sits at the intersection of two crucial questions: What does it mean when artificial intelligence increasingly governs our liberties? And what are the consequences for the people A.I. is biased against? When MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini discovers that most facial-recognition software does not accurately identify darker-skinned faces and the faces of women, she delves into an investigation of widespread bias in algorithms. As it turns out, artificial intelligence is not neutral, and women are leading the charge to ensure our civil rights are protected.

Subjects: English | Language | Fashion | Equity | Media Studies | Challenge & Change | Environmental Studies | World Issue | Economics | Science | Politics

Fashion designer Amy Powney of cult label Mother of Pearl is a rising star in the London fashion scene. Raised off-the-grid in rural England by activist parents, Amy has always felt uneasy about the devastating environmental impact of her industry. When she wins the coveted Vogue award for the Best Young Designer of the Year, which comes with a big cash prize, Amy decides to use the money to create a sustainable collection from field to finished garment, and transform her entire business. Over the following three years, her own personal revolution becomes the precursor of a much bigger, societal change.

Subjects: Physical Education | Language | English | Civics | Sociology | Equity | Law | Politics | World Religions | World Cultures

What is it like to be a Muslim female athlete in the world today? Bilqis Abdul-Qaadirbroke records and barriers on her way to become the first Division 1 basketball player to wear a hijab. When a controversial ban by FIBA on religious headgear ends her chances at playing professionally, she is forced to re-examine her faith and identity as a Muslim American. Bilqis lost her dream of playing professional basketball because of the ban but now, thanks to her successful fight to overturn it, that dream lives on for millions of other hijab-wearing Muslim girls.

Subjects: Media Arts | Music | Health | Politics | Equity | Sociology | Psychology | Language | English

With nearly three million followers and several celebrity endorsements, rapper Akintoye is an internet sensation. Through his vulnerable art, he inspires young people to use their voices to bring awareness to mental health struggles.