- A recent tragedy involving a fatal collision over the Potomac River has sparked debate about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
- The author believes that DEI initiatives are necessary to combat systemic racism and create a more equitable society.
- Opponents of DEI argue that such programs are unnecessary and even harmful, but the author contends that these initiatives have benefited many people, particularly women.
My heartfelt prayers are sincerely lifted up for each and every person who lost their lives in the collision over the Potomac River.
During such a tragedy and time of sorrow, the highly “elected” official of this country chose to use the sad occasion to tie the incident to DEI initiatives to try to disingenuously ingratiate himself for dismantling decades of unity and collaborative efforts that helped those historically locked out to feel and be included.
Perhaps he thought by doing so that he would be commended by his fellow donors and friends. Or perhaps he thought he would invite an angry crowd to storm the Capitol in protest. Yet, what appeared to be the overwhelming reaction was people proceeding with their day to day work as they dutifully prayed for the lost because they realized he is only a man and does not have the last say.
You see, DEI initiatives, contrary to what many may believe it to be, actually helped more white women than people of color in job promotion, and so we are grateful to see many benefit. It was created to allow everyone access to their full potential.
Why was it needed?Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Because, in many respects Americans unfortunately must be forced to do the right thing to allow space for other Americans that don’t look like them, don’t have their backgrounds or share their cultures.
Even with the positive efforts of DEI in hiring practices, it was evident that it remained difficult to change the hearts of people who bask in their privileged glory — change must be intentional, with purpose to drive a goal at making things better, which was and is the objective of DEI — not just diversity, equity and inclusion, but a deeper encountering introspect to make the world better.
Yet, we, as African-Americans (yes, not just “Black” because we are more than the color Black) have always struggled to find a way out of no way in America.
Taking away federal programs such as DEI initiatives that sometimes reflect us does not take away our cultural richness, our intellectual capacity to think and collaborate or our knowledge we have gifted the world through inventions in the past, present, and, yes, the future.
Taking away our books does not take away our faces, words, thoughts and writing.
Purging our names erroneously from election records prior to elections will not take away our sense of ability to research and replace our names and recast our votes.
Taking away our freedom unfairly will not take away our internal quest to seek a higher level of freedom.
Taking away these things doesn’t phase us because in our history we have been here before.
Our ancestors fought against chains, dogs, rushing water, whips, ropes, poll taxes, Jim Crow and a host of other inhumane acts.
Today, we fight against racism, karens, housing discrimination, health inequity, systemic racism, bad police encounters, white privilege and the list of inhumane acts continue.
Our energy, synergy and courage will outlive the term of any ill-thinking processes put in place to eradicate our interests. Read your history books and learn about the history of the people who pray and are one in Jesus Christ.
Peace and prayers to all the family and friends of the fallen aircraft victims. May their lights never fade in our hearts and minds.
Glenda Overstreet is an active volunteer and community organizer in Topeka. She can be reached at doctorglendao@gmail.com.
