Black Engineers’ Annual Convention Highlights Baltimore as Hub for Black STEM Professionals

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) recently held its Annual Convention in Baltimore for the first time, bringing together thousands of engineers, technologists, and students. The city was chosen for its strong legacy of Black excellence and innovation, as highlighted by NSBE CEO Janeen Uzzell and 2026 planning chair Jazmine Bullock. A key discussion during the convention focused on artificial intelligence (AI), engineering careers, and Baltimore's emerging role as a technology hub. Marcus Mitchell, Vice President of Engineering at Google, encouraged an open and curious mindset toward AI, suggesting it presents an opportunity to rethink workflows rather than simply displacing human jobs. However, the panel also addressed the significant environmental concerns associated with AI, particularly its reliance on massive data centers that demand substantial water and energy. Baltimore interim Deputy Mayor Calvin Young underscored the need for greater consideration of AI's inputs, noting that Maryland, as a net energy importer, must carefully plan how it manages the construction and operation of data centers to avoid increasing household electricity costs and straining the local power grid. Despite these challenges, panelists reaffirmed Baltimore and Maryland's commitment to fostering a diverse tech workforce and upholding values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.