Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The views shared here are my own and reflect my perspective as a cisgender Black male of Caribbean descent regarding the current attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the United States.
The Cycle of Progress and Resistance
The backlash against DEI initiatives is concerning yet predictable. It mirrors a recurring pattern in American history: progress often meets resistance. This is similar to the advancements of the Reconstruction Era, which gave way to the oppression of the Jim Crow Era. It also resembles the victories of the Civil Rights Era, which faced ongoing challenges and pushback.
Having navigated the complexities of systemic inequities, I see these attacks as part of a broader resistance to change. This resistance is driven by fear, misinformation, and a desire to maintain the status quo. DEI programs are not about exclusion or favouritism. Instead, they aim to create environments where historically marginalized and oppressed voices can be heard, valued, and empowered.
However, the current rhetoric often frames DEI as divisive or unnecessary, which feels like a deliberate mischaracterization of its purpose.
A Personal Perspective on Inequity
These attacks are not just about policy or ideology but about people.
Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and community. It is a place where “every creed and race finds an equal place.”
Yet, I am acutely aware that my Blackness shapes how I am perceived and treated in this country. I’ve had experiences like being surrounded by white men in a Jeep in the late 1990s. They were waving a Confederate flag in Nashville, Tennessee, and shouting, “Go back to your country.” I was also called a racial slur while selling books door to door in El Sobrante, California.
The Real Impact of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
What strikes me most about the current backlash is how it often ignores the tangible benefits of DEI. Diverse teams are more innovative, equitable workplaces foster greater employee satisfaction, and inclusive policies lead to better outcomes for everyone. (https://hbr.org/2016/11/why-diverse-teams-are-smarter)
As a Black man of Caribbean descent, I feel the weight of my ancestors’ struggles. I also feel the responsibility to be a beacon of hope for my biracial sons. I engage in DEI work today, hoping that my children will not face similar challenges in their lifetime.
The attacks on DEI feel personal because they threaten the progress that allows people like me to thrive. This is not our first time facing such challenges; it certainly won’t be the last. The fight for equity and inclusion is ongoing, requiring resilience, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
The Words That Inspire Me
At this moment, I am reminded of Dr. Eric Eustace Williams’s words: “The true measure of a nation’s progress lies in how it treats its most marginalized and vulnerable citizens.”
DEI is not just about race or gender. It’s about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.
“None of us has to shrink for all of us to shine.” – Author unknown.
Featured Image by Clay Banks on Unsplash