On October 22nd, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights hosted its most recent book club with author, political leader, and RFK Ripple of Hope Laureate, Stacey Abrams, to discuss her latest novel, Coded Justice. In Coded Justice, Stacey Abrams’ storytelling prowess is on full display—a deft combination of riveting twists and vibrant characters set against the fascinating landscape of the capabilities of artificial intelligence and the moral boundaries that govern it. Coded Justice is Abrams’s most entertaining novel to date.

The discussion was moderated by TMV founder and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights board member, Soraya Darabi.

Discussing her inspiration for her most recent book, Abrams shared, “I like to begin my books with a question. What do I want to know? What’s interesting to me? When those two pieces came together, it was at a time I was thinking a lot about diversity, equity, and inclusion, DEI, and what its implications were across a range of issues because we were watching DEI face such aggressive assault in 2023 and ‘24. And so I wanted to talk about AI and DEI.”

The conversation explored the ethical complexities of artificial intelligence and the human responsibility behind its use. Abrams framed the issue succinctly, explaining, “AI is a tool. The decision makers are the ones who decide whether it is going to be a salvation or a condemnation. AI doesn’t start out as good or bad—it starts as neutral, with the expansive capacity to transform our lives.”

The book specifically tackles the complicated relationship between AI and health equity. Framing this discussion, Soraya Dorabi added, “Our mission at RFK [Human Rights] and I say this as a board member, a very proud one, is really rooted in dignity and human rights and healthcare. Access to universal health care should be a basic human right in America.”

Abrams gave a powerful defense of health equity, stating “Access to healthcare is a human right. It should not be conditioned on your ability to pay or your worthiness to survive. It is a human right.”

Abrams also reflected on the power of civic engagement and the role of local action in shaping national change, adding, “As someone who got my start in city government and then became a state legislator, I really think there’s a local point of entry for how we save our country.”

Closing on a hopeful note, Abrams emphasized faith in collective action and human potential. “I’m not fearful about the future. I’m faithful in believing that if we show ourselves and each other what we’re capable of, we can get there. But we’ve got to know there’s a journey,” she said. Through Coded Justice, Stacey Abrams continues her mission to challenge, inspire, and empower readers—inviting them to consider not only the future of technology, but the future of humanity itself.

Watch the full discussion here.