Is DEI work effective? Is the tide truly turning?

close-up view of waves/tides with sun low on the horizon in the far distance

Lately I find myself wondering if much of the anti-racism work of the last several years has done more harm than good. Admittedly, as the executive director of one of the oldest anti-racism organizations in the United States and as a longtime anti-racist writer and speaker, it may seem strange to hear me say that. …

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Where did the allies go? Or, the DEI rollback

Person running away from a beach with only one leg visible as they run off-screen

Back to the not-so-good old days… For over a year now, I have taken notice of the gradually shifting anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) landscape. I don’t know exactly when things shifted but it was subtle—well, at least until it wasn’t anymore. I occupy a rather unique space in this landscape. I am …

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The cognitive dissonance of Black History Month

Abstract image of a face, screaming, fractured and in multiple modes and pieces reflecting anger or distress

Entering Black History Month this year, the words that come to mind are cognitive dissonance. On the surface, it appears as if Black people in the United States have come a long way. We had a Black president, our current vice president is Black—hell, she’s an HBCU grad and a member of one of the …

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