DEI, please!
A few thoughts on coded language & microaggressions + reads & vibes for your weekend. 🤠🐝
This week’s newsletter is brought to you by the letters D, E, and I.
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In recent years, some conservative circles have taken to reimagining the acronym DEI, which traditionally stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as "Didn’t Earn It." This shift reflects a broader skepticism toward initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and equality. While the concept of DEI isn't new, its significance gained momentum in 2020 following the tragic murder of George Floyd. The ensuing global pandemic compelled society to confront long-standing injustices that had too often been overlooked.
During this time, it was fashionable for organizations to make public statements about diversity. Social media feeds were inundated with black squares as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Black communities and victims of systemic violence. Concurrently, many companies appointed people to spearhead DEI efforts within their ranks, and whether genuine or not, their efforts were often viewed as virtue signaling. As the initial enthusiasm subsided, many of these companies have scaled back or eliminated these roles, while governmental agencies have shuttered their DEI offices entirely. There’s even a case cooking in the Supreme Court to eliminate funding opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
The reality is that many DEI initiatives, much like affirmative action efforts before them, tend to benefit disabled veterans and white women more than any other group. Rejecting acknowledgment of systemic barriers often leads to the assumption that individuals in certain roles attained them solely based on their skin color (if they're a person of color) or gender (if they're women), rather than merit.
Those of us from diverse backgrounds understand this couldn't be further from the truth. We've often had to work twice as hard and be twice as good to achieve half as much. Despite attempts to dismiss these barriers as imaginary, we know they are real.
Recently, during coverage of the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, there was criticism directed at Mayor Brandon Scott for his attire during an early morning press conference. Some referred to him as a "DEI mayor," implying he wasn't legitimately elected, despite securing over 70% of the vote.
The underlying issue, however, seemed to be discomfort with a young Black man who represents the demographics of his city. Never mind the fact that people lost their lives, or the fact that the hero first responders diverted traffic effectively keeping it from being an even more tragic event. No - we’re going to talk about the fact the mayor has on a polo and a casual jacket to address the country before dawn after an unthinkable tragedy.
Similar to the term "woke," DEI has become a catch-all phrase that's often misused. In truth, it's sometimes employed as a thinly veiled replacement for the n-word. It’s a new slur. Mayor Scott talked about this in-depth with Joy Reid.
Naturally, this week, the internet had a field day with it, doubling down on the mockery.
"DEI, please! What's up my DEI?"
You feel me?
This reaction echoes a longstanding tradition within the Black community: taking what was intended to wound and transforming it into something that sparks laughter. It's like turning lemons into lemonade. But here's the bottom line: We're grappling with an ongoing struggle for belonging in this country.
This cycle highlights a larger conversation about the authenticity and lasting impact of DEI efforts across various sectors. While the initial intentions may have been good, there's uncertainty about the sustainability and genuine commitment to bringing about meaningful change. It's crucial to move beyond mere gestures and prioritize concrete, long-term strategies for nurturing diversity, equity, and inclusion in every facet of society.
Is that even possible in our current climate? I don’t know, but the hope springs eternal.
Texas Tribune: Texas appeals court overturns Crystal Mason’s conviction, 5-year sentence for illegal voting
The Guardian: South Carolina Republicans can use discriminatory map for 2024, court rules
The Harvard Crimson: Fourth Black Female Harvard Scholar Accused of Plagiarism Amid Assault on DEI Initiatives
Newsweek: Judge Speaks Out Against Donald Trump's Family Attacks
ABC 7 New York: Raids of Diddy's properties signal federal prosecutors in New York are confident in case: expert
Tyla spoke to Heran Mamo for Billboard about the power of bringing Amapiano music from South Africa to the World. [Read]
Megan Thee Stallion is covering Adweek. The story discusses her brand deals, upcoming tour, and growth as a business & brand. [Read]
Ice Cube confirmed that his 3-on-3 professional basketball league, Big 3, offered Caitlin Clark a $5M deal to come play. Clark has not yet responded. [Read]
Should we be looking to date older men? The Cut makes a strong case for age-gap relationships. [Read]
Beyoncé is the inaugural cover star for W Mag’s digital edition. She discusses the inspiration behind Cowboy Carter, and why she feels this is her best body of work yet. [Read]
Speaking of Beyoncé, her album, Cowboy Carter is available worldwide now. I must say, it’s not a country album. It’s genre-bending. There are some very country songs on the project, but there’s also Black folk, Americana, Top 40, and easy listening. I’ve been through it a couple of times at this point and my favorites are BLACKBIIRD, 16 CARRIAGES, II HANDS II HEAVEN, II MOST WANTED, SPAGHETTII and TYRANT. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.
This week, NPR released Big Sean’s Tiny Desk concert, and it gave me so much nostalgia. Big Sean’s music was super prevalent in my playlists in my early 20’s… definitely a coming of age soundtrack. So it was fun to walk back through some of his Blog Era hits. Check it out:
This week, Netflix also unveiled the trailer for their upcoming animated reboot of Good Times. I’m going to be honest with you… I’m not excited. You let me know how you feel:
*deep sigh*
Lena Waithe’s anthology series “Them” is back with a new season called “The Scare” - it’s starring Luke James as a serial killer and I’m not going to lie, it scared me a little bit. Watch the trailer - and catch it on Prime when it premieres.
For all my Spotify users - the most recent iteration of their “Taste” playlist was curated by Femme It Forward founder Heather Lowery and it’s the perfect blend of new and vintage R&B and soul. You can grab it here - and if you like it, make sure you save the songs to a new playlist as Taste changes frequently.
That’s all for this week! Thank you for your support. Until we meet again…
