Create Labs Ventures has partnered with TONL, a Black-owned stock photography company, to develop an AI image generator trained exclusively on culturally authentic Black-owned stock photos. The initiative, announced during Women’s History Month, seeks to address representation gaps in artificial intelligence and improve the accuracy of AI-generated visuals depicting Black and Brown communities.
Addressing bias in AI image generation
Many AI image generators rely on datasets that predominantly feature white subjects, often resulting in inaccurate or misleading portrayals of people of color. By utilizing TONL’s extensive library of culturally rich images, Create Labs aims to ensure that AI-generated content better reflects the diversity of Black faces, bodies and cultural experiences.
TONL was co-founded by Nigerian American social entrepreneur Karen Okonkwo to diversify stock photography and showcase authentic stories from underrepresented communities. The partnership with Create Labs expands that mission to AI-generated imagery, reinforcing accuracy and inclusivity in digital content creation.
The TONL Image Generator
The TONL Image Generator, a key feature of the EMPWRD AI platform, enables brands, creators and organizations to produce culturally representative images tailored to their needs. EMPWRD AI also includes a social impact chatbot and a document analysis tool designed to promote equitable and bias-free AI research.
Users can sign up for early access to the TONL Image Generator and enter for a chance to receive a free month of the service.
Launching amid diversity and inclusion challenges
The release of the TONL x Create Labs AI Image Library and Generator comes as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives face increasing scrutiny. The Pentagon recently flagged thousands of diversity-related images and online posts for removal, including content highlighting women in the military and the Tuskegee Airmen. The move has raised concerns about how different communities are represented in digital archives.
“This isn’t just about creating more diverse images,” Create Labs Ventures co-founder Abran Maldonado said. “It’s about ensuring that communities of color have ownership over how they are represented in the technology shaping our future. AI has the power to cement our stories into history—or erase them. We’re here to make sure it’s the former.”
Women-led innovation in AI
The collaboration also highlights the role of women in advancing artificial intelligence. Both Create Labs Ventures and TONL were co-founded by women of color working to increase equity in technology and media. In addition to visual representation, Create Labs is developing bias-reduced AI tools for small businesses in partnership with Mastercard and has introduced Clai.ra, an AI-powered digital influencer spotlighting women innovators and entrepreneurs throughout Women’s History Month.
With the launch of the TONL Image Generator, Create Labs Ventures and TONL aim to set a new standard for diversity and representation in AI-generated media, providing Black and Brown communities with greater control over their digital narratives.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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