Kaepernick brings AI storytelling platform to Philadelphia schools
Colin Kaepernick visited Philadelphia schools Wednesday to showcase student work created with Lumi, an artificial intelligence platform he founded. Students from three schools presented visual projects about Jackie Robinson, Peter Pan, Typhoid Mary, COVID-19, and women's suffrage.
The former NFL quarterback emphasized that Lumi aims to make students creators, not passive consumers. "We want them to be creators. We want them to be builders," he said.
How the platform works
Lumi assists students in developing visual stories while they add their own creative direction. The School District of Philadelphia launched the partnership in March as part of its Accelerate Philly five-year strategic plan and Mayor Cherelle Parker's Extended Day/Extended Year initiative.
Kaepernick framed the tool as preparation for a future where AI literacy matters. He said the platform should support creativity and thinking, not replace it. "Using AI is something that can help push them further, help develop their creativity and voice further, and be a supporting partner in that process," he said.
Background
Kaepernick played quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers for six seasons and helped the team reach Super Bowl XLVII. He gained national attention in 2016 after kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley praised Kaepernick for moving beyond activism to help young people develop their own voices. "Rather than simply sharing your story, you've chosen to help other young people learn how to tell and share theirs," she said.
For creatives working with AI tools, Lumi demonstrates one approach to generative art in educational settings-using the technology to expand student capability rather than automate the creative process.
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