In our current climate, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is being weaponized and misused. From corporations using the framework to describe historically marginalized identities by stating they are a “DEI Hire” to laws and policies ripping programs, resources, and positions from higher education institutions by creating a narrative rooted in fear that DEI was created to harm white people.
The aforementioned examples are all tactics being used to stop the mission of practitioners, educators, advocators, you and me from challenging systems that have harmed the global majority and placed particular identities and experiences on pedestals to silence others.
On June 3, 2024, I lost my personal champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — my grandfather. My grandparents raised me, and this was the first major death I experienced in my life at 34 years old. As a director, student, consultant and educator of diversity, equity and inclusion, I often spoke about the relationship between me and my grandfather that included discussion around a plethora of topics related to DEI.
My grandfather was the definition of a strong southern Black man that had his ways and ideas. He raised me to be a believer of God, strongly advocated for his children and grandchildren to obtain an education, and frequently reminded me that I had to always make sure I was “two steps ahead” of society to ensure I was safe and successful.
Those lessons of my grandfather are critical to the way I engage, educate and employ DEI. My grandfather shared stories of his experiences with racism, colorism, workplace challenges, religion, growing up financially unstable, his desire to have a family and move from the south. As I learned more about his experiences, I also learned how to engage in topics where we had different views.
As an 83-year-old man, I would sometimes hear thoughts and comments that skewed away from my own philosophies and were sometimes negative in nature, but these differences allowed for discussions. I was fortunate to have intergenerational discussions with my grandfather to learn the root of his thought processes and engage in a historical dialogue that provided insight into the experiences of individuals who shared similar values of my grandfather navigating the world at that time.
This insight allowed me to leverage the value of difference while employing accountability — in short, being able to understand why one may perceive different identities in a particular way but providing facts and narratives to dispel misinformation to interrupt the behavior of those who are misinformed.
As you may have heard and experienced, change is a difficult process for many to comprehend and accept. However, I learned through discussions with others who have different perspectives, identities, values and thoughts there is an opportunity to make intentional change if you position yourself to hear hard truths and make the appropriate shifts.
That includes shying away from narratives and histories associated with experiences you do not have; recognizing the data tells a story that is only manipulated by those with an agenda to limit other versus support; critically analyzing the data to improve and create programs, practices and policies focused on upholding the divide amongst different groups all in the name of capitalist gain; and recognizing humanity without conditions.
To my grandfather, thank you for being willing to listen and engage in discussions that would create a more fair and just society. Thank you for your ability to have an open mind and navigate where you could improve your ideologies that were taught and learned in your childhood. Thank you for your dedication to asking questions when the answers were not clear. Thank you for not selecting stubbornness over understanding reality. Thank you for being able to understand different perspectives and choosing not to deflect when difficult discussions took place.
Thank you.
Love you, Old Man!
If he could change his perspectives at 83, so can we. Make a commitment to unlearn harm.
Take care, friends!
Your DEI Homegirl
