Its a Dual Blog Post, sis! We haven’t done this in a bit…up first is Via!
Sisters, I admit that I had no idea what DEI was. I come from the generation that knew this as Affirmative Action. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) still say Affirmative Action to me. 🤭
As I understand it, some major companies offer DEI training. They made a place for diverse employees, to present their ideas and discuss things important to them. The employees could discuss their issues concerning bias, having equal opportunities for promotions and raises, and efforts to be included in management decisions that affect them. Now, these same major companies are removing DEI. 😨
They use statements like reverse discrimination. These corporations are pulling back from DEI, without offering options. I think the corporate fear is that if DEI is successful, then it will impact their grants, corporate sponsors, and money.
The effect on the Black community and other people of color will mean companies do not have to make space for our ideas. The US Supreme Court has handed down a decision that colleges and universities no longer have to consider race in the application process. I applaud Apple, Costco, and McDonalds for staying true to DEI. They still offer small business opportunities and other programs for their employees.
Inclusion is more than gender and race. Corporations need to understand the importance that people of color bring to the table. As people of color in America, we are now the Majority. After all, we built this country.
We contributed our muscle, sweat, and tears to live in a country that valued us. DEI is one way to make that happen, but we need other options as well. It’s time to make inclusion the core value. Next up….Char!
Its your favorite millennial sis, Char!
Without getting too political, the news has been inundated with reports regarding DEI and the executive orders signed by the new administration. This has created a domino effect for a multitude of companies, retail included. Walmart was the first retail giant to back away from DEI (November 2024 per). Before I get into the details and what this all means, let me back up a second and explain DEI.
DEI is important for a few reasons. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This not only affects diversity (people of color, all colors) but also people with disabilities who need accommodations (hello ADA) and a company being inclusive (not discriminating and allowing all people access).
This is big.
Companies set up internships, programs, and scholarships surrounding DEI. Employees have tenured careers in the DEI realm and have been forced on administrative leave while the dust settles from this new policy. Imagine waking up and no longer knowing what your career will look like.
What will our world look like after the dust evaporates? 🌎
What does this mean for black businesses?
For the black dollar?
Should we boycott these companies?
What choice do we have? 😡
First, breathe.
The goal of the administration is to overwhelm us.
Don’t let them.
Focus on the things that speak to your heart, that matter to your voice.
Diversity is important to me, and I will use my voice to shout about it!
Now, that we know about DEI…. let’s speak on our dollar! Did you know that black businesses are a billion-dollar industry?
That is powerful.
Can you imagine how much these stores’ profits will shrink without black-owned products and the black community? I think we should shop smarter with our money. Glancing at social media, there are hundreds of black business owners to choose from. Local bakeries, tea shops, beauty products, etc you can feel safe knowing your dollar is going back to the black community.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
As a black woman, it feels like a slap in the face for this to be happening during Black History Month.
Who is tired of getting walked over?
Below I’ve listed black owned businesses and recommend you search in your locality. You might be surprised at what’s available. Let’s show everyone that the black dollar is still important and empower our black-owned neighbors to expand their businesses.
We don’t need Walmart, we don’t Target, we don’t need Aldi. We need sisterhood and inclusion.
We need to show the world that pulling DEI will not stop us from pulling together.
Remember….you can always call your sister 🖤
Black Businesses To Support:
Need Jewelry and wanna support a poet? https://www.acmpoetryandjewelry.com/
Bakery (located in TX) https://www.2sisterssweetcreations.com/
Nail Tech: The Nail Fairy (located in MS) https://trinnailedit.as.me/schedule/9d5426fe
Business Coach & Social Media Manager: https://www.instagram.com/ms.coachchrissy/#
Travel Agent: (myself) https://travelsuncharted.inteletravel.com/
Aestician: Spoiled Skin Solutions (located in CO) https://pocketsuite.io/book/spoiled-skinsolutions
Websites to look into DEI and what it means:
