DON’T BACK DOWN

In my July 2023 newsletter, I cued Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” as a prelude to discussing the Supreme Court's recent rollback decisions. These included rulings on Affirmative Action, the LGBTQ case in Colorado, and the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. At the time, these decisions felt profoundly disheartening markers of an unsettling regression in the fight for justice and equality.

Fast forward 18 months, and we find ourselves grappling with the actions of a new political administration that has moved with unprecedented speed to dismantle key civil rights protections. In mere months, they have:

? Eviscerated DEI practices in workplaces,

? Threatened the livelihoods of federal workers,

? And stoked anxiety, fear, and anger among countless Americans and global observers.

The ripple effects of these actions are undeniable. They spark outrage and renewed calls for justice in the face of mounting injustices.

Elevating Voices: Black History and DEI 365

This month, I won’t attempt to replicate the abundance of brilliant commentaries, articles, and videos circulating on these pressing issues. Instead, I want to amplify the voices of influencers and thought leaders whose lived experiences, expertise, and historical insights have helped me deepen my understanding and resolve.

Their work reminds me—and us—not to back down. We must stand firm despite the tidal wave of falsehoods aimed at discrediting DEI, human rights, and civil rights gains. We must reject the attempts to undermine the intelligence, integrity, and economic power of those deemed “unworthy” by those in power.

Let us continue to educate ourselves, speak up, and act boldly to defend justice and equity. The fight is far from over—and together, we are stronger.

THANK YOU! This is my partial list of influencers on this platform. I have learned much from you. (I hope you do not mind me including your name here.)

Black Enterprise Magazine Blair Imani Charmaine Simpson Cheryl Ingram Dana Brownlee Dr. Camille Y. White MD, MHA Dr. Tana M. Session (WOSB/EDWOSB Certified) Drexel Harris Elizabeth Leiba Ernest Crim III, MA Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D. John Hope Bryant Kim P ?? Louis Byrd Mary-Frances Winters Michele Heyward, EIT, A.M.ASCE Roland Martin ? Theresa M. Robinson, ABD Yinka Ewuola

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 1 Corinthians 4: 8-9

“This struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.” Frederick Douglass

Thank you for reading and subscribing to this newsletter. PASS IT ON!

Here is the link to my LinkedIn course, ‘Managing a Diverse Team,’ which is available in nine languages.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/learning/managing-a-diverse-team/welcome?u=2125562