The Revolution Continues
2020 brought a pandemic and a resurgence in focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) after George Floyd's murder and that summer's racial turmoil. DEI initiatives received support, resources, and deserved attention as organizations rushed to be on the "right side of history." However, four years later, DEI teams have been eliminated, superficial commitments of support proved empty, and the blacked-out Instagram boxes [that did nothing but bury information for Black activists and allies] are gone. Instead, Dr. Claudine Gay has been scapegoated against DEI efforts. Antoinette Candia-Bailey died by suicide* after enduring unsupported workplace bullying and harassment. States are banning DEI funding and eliminating programs from public universities. Dermatology medical practitioners put forth resolutions to sunset all DEI programs—even though dermatology is one of the least diverse specializations. And despite the CROWN Act's passage, students are still suspended for hairstyles like dreadlocks under the guise of hair length policies. The work continues, and all under the insurmountable weight of absolutely devastating ongoing global human rights atrocities. 🍉
"The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression." -W.E.B. Du Bois
Despite it all, I urge you not to believe that DEI is dead. The pursuit of this work remains a radical and revolutionary force for change, poised to overcome resistance and achieve renewed progress - just as it has throughout history.
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." -Audre Lorde
White Backlash is the negative response of some white folks connected to a period of racial progress. This backlash highlights a recurring pattern in racial justice movements: progress followed by backlash and resistance, then renewed progress. This cycle has played out repeatedly, from the Reconstruction Period, to the Civil Rights Movement's efforts to dismantle segregation facing violent opposition to today's ongoing fight for voting rights and racial equity.
The cycle:
Activism and Progress
Backlash and Resistance (rollback legislation, increased hate crimes/speech, organized opposition, resistance to diversity initiatives)
Continued Activism and Perseverance
Renewed Progress
If we take a more macro look, DEI's ideally applied intersectional approach encompassing race, gender, sexuality, ability, and other identities has become a target of Backlash Politics—the opposition to progressive policies and social changes seen as threats to "traditional" values or power structures. Unlike White Backlash, Backlash Politics' scope encompasses opposition to issues beyond racial justice, like LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, immigration reform, and environmental regulations.
Sound familiar?
If we compare the 44th and 45th Presidents some (Hi, 👋🏾 I'm "some") may argue Backlash Politics even show up in our elected representatives.
As DEI initiatives challenge long-standing systems of privilege and oppression, they inevitably face resistance from those who benefit from or are invested in maintaining the status quo. However depressing this sounds, history is actually on our side here.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Consistently, movements for social justice and equity have overcome backlash and opposition through sustained commitment, embracing diverse approaches to doing the work, and the unwavering commitment of a collective of people pursuing a more just and equitable society. Though movements are often represented by a handful of names, recognize that it's collective action that moves progress forward. The Civil Rights Movement continues to persevere through oppression, comprehensive activism for Women's Rights persists despite setbacks, the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement shows resilience against discrimination, and the Disability Rights Movement progresses through legal advocacy striving for shared application and understanding of accessible laws and policies—all in the present tense. These aren't past efforts with fixed end dates; the movements are ongoing! They continue through DEI practitioners', scholars', activists', and advocates' work today. We each play different roles with different approaches toward the same goal.
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
Just as each of these movements drove identifiable progress, the pendulum will inevitably swing back. There are plenty of organizations that remain steadfast in strengthening diverse, inclusive teams. DEI's pursuit isn't temporary or trendy; it's fundamental to a just, equitable society. As demographics shift, the global majority becomes the American majority, societal values evolve, and voices of people with marginalized identities grow louder, true representation, equal opportunities, and inclusive practices become even more imperative.
Revisionist history makes it seem like the folks most known for these movements have always been beloved, and that’s simply untrue. This work has always been radical and so have the people who have contributed to it - albeit often in unique ways.
To those discouraged by the current landscape - Fair. Take care of yourselves, friends. We'll often hear that despair is just "part of the work," but I don't accept that as an isolated statement. Community is also part of the work. Taking care of ourselves is also a part of the work. As individuals, we are not superhuman and we are not endless wells of energy and resilience. Tap back in when you're ready. Remember that DEI work has always been revolutionary, challenging the deepest systemic roots of injustice. It is this exact nature that has propelled each iteration of progress throughout history, and it is this same spirit that will ultimately prevail in the face of backlash.
I aim to do this work with a revitalized mindset. Recognizing that I can only do what I can when I can - and I cannot be everything to everyone at once. But intentionally connecting my actions to our collective efforts in pushing the pendulum back in our favor.
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