The Anti-Blackness In Anti-DEI

With a recent wake up moment, I would be foolish to believe that the whole anti-dei movement was not based on anti-Blackness. Of course, corporate society, corporate structures based in colonialism being anti-dei, goes along with not wanting to see Black people, and People Of Color, in leadership positions with these corporate structures having to educate themselves or respect the whole lives of Black people and People Of Color.

Anti-Blackness is everywhere, and indeed, in corporate America. Leaders as well as everyday individuals, take their hate, their beliefs into these structures carrying out some of the same hateful behaviors. Leadership, especially at the top, want to see continuously white people in power, dominating the decisions being made to keep these businesses going, relevant. Never mind the Black woman or the Latinx woman who has the same education and has worked ten times harder to get where they are. They are subject to the same kind of racism, sexism, etc.

If Black people particularly, are to see a level playing field with no ceilings, then the colonialism mindset as well as racism, must be addressed and dismantled. We cannot exist peacefully or safely in these settings when our bosses, supervisors, managers, etc. are practically wearing white robes we cannot, we do not see. Some companies, however, are making strides towards a level playing field by hiring Black CEOs, knowing this is the route to go. However, racism still prevails.

Prevailing in corporate America, in its current existence, means you are a white male or a white woman. Black leadership, Black corporate leadership is still in low numbers. We are still striving, trying to get to the top of large companies or corporations with a lot in our way. Until this country sees us as human beings there is still a long, long way to go. Blackness is a social construct many still see before they learn the hearts and minds of we Black people.

The fight against DEI will continue as long as there are white male leaders who are loud, heard by the media and anyone else who feels they need to be heard. This is ultimately a human rights issue. Those Black men in Memphis, TN years ago who wore the sandwich signs stating "I Am A Man" were worn for a reason. They faced anti-Blackness. Black women and men today in corporate offices are fighting the same fight.