Colin Kaepernick aims to equip youth with skills to use AI creatively and responsibly.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the former NFL star secured $4 million in funding to launch Lumi, an AI-powered storytelling platform designed to develop comics, graphic novels, manga, and other hybrid written-illustrated stories. The platform uses AI to help users create characters, define their traits and storylines, and leverage built-in image generation tools to bring their projects from concept to completion.
Lumi aims to support students and teachers, according to its website.
“I’ve seen struggling writers transform when they create a character that reflects who they are. I’ve seen teachers relax when they have tools that truly support, not replace, their role. Lumi was built for those moments,” Kaepernick said in a statement on the platform’s website.
Kaepernick is now partnering with the Metro Nashville Public Schools district to pilot Lumi Story, according to The Tennessean. This program teaches students to use AI responsibly while leveraging it to improve storytelling, creativity, and literacy.
“Storytelling has always been one of the most powerful ways people understand themselves and the world around them,” Kaepernick said, per the outlet. “Lumi is about giving students tools to tell their own stories, develop their creativity, and see technology as something that expands what’s possible rather than limiting it.”
Additionally, the pilot program will teach students about transparency, academic integrity, and critical evaluation of AI-generated content, per the outlet. The program will launch with a small group of students and educators. Kaepernick has already paid visits to Jones Elementary, McKissack Middle School, Whites Creek High School, and Antioch High School, per The Tennessean.
“We want our students to approach artificial intelligence with confidence and curiosity, not fear,” Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Adrienne Battle told the outlet.
The pilot program is supported by a private philanthropic contribution that was facilitated by Nashville education nonprofit, Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership, according to The Tennessean.
