Four Things Keeping Me Inspired as the Fight Against DEI Initiatives Advances

(Credit source for all photos: DIFFvelopment)

All eyes have been on the Fearless Fund as an appeals court decision halted their grant program for Black women entrepreneurs claiming it is discriminatory because it excludes other groups. Yet, in 2022 alone, Black founders raised just 1% of all funding within the venture capital market, and the trend continues today. 

Black business owners have a problem raising capital, but we’re not THE problem. 

Laws that were enacted during our country’s founding have directly led to the systemic inequities we see today. And ever since, we’ve been trying to level the playing field through hustle, creativity, and seeking various sources of funding.  

Despite the fight ahead to protect DEI initiatives, here are four actions I’ve taken or witnessed that have deepened my resolve that an inclusive economy where Black entrepreneurs and our communities thrive is possible. 

1. Foundations doubling down on supporting Black-benefitting organizations - Despite the rulings, if you’ve already been supporting Black-benefitting organizations or initiatives, “Keep your foot on the gas!” and continue giving. Remember, financial giving can be restricted, unrestricted or as creative as possible. I serve on DIFFvelopment’s board, and was recently inspired by the Harman Family Foundation’s generous support that allowed seven of DIFFvelopment’s NYC-based alums and co-founders to attend the 2024 Good Soil Forum in Texas to gain insights from visionary leaders like T.D. Jakes Ministries, Pinky Cole, Tabitha Brown, and Charles D. King. Alums explored innovative solutions to global challenges, leaving the event with actionable ideas to impact their ventures and communities positively. 

The foundation’s financial support covered all travel logistics and conference fees, but the impact the experience had on the alums was immeasurable. I encourage foundations - especially during this time - to continue supporting Black-benefitting organizations and initiatives. 

If you’d like to support DIFFvelopment, donate here.

2. Volunteer your time or services to Black-benefitting organizations - Each year, DIFFvelopment hosts its summer 10-week Consultrepreneurship program. They believe in equipping students for careers and journeys of entrepreneurship and resilience, so I returned for a second year to share my story. 

My path to entrepreneurship hasn’t been linear, and the birth of my sons, divorce, and the pandemic were pivotal, business-evolving moments. Sharing my experiences about knowing when it’s time to go, the power of relationships, having faith, and navigating challenges with creativity and determination resonated with the students and led to an engaging discussion. 

If you have an opportunity to volunteer your time or talent, consider blessing a Black-benefitting organization or initiative. It could take a few hours of your time and impact the beneficiaries greatly by seeing someone who looks like them. Representation matters. And if you don’t look like them, your time and allyship are valuable. 

3. Continue recognizing barrier-breaking firsts - Just as we honor our ancestors who paved the way, we must continue acknowledging and celebrating Black changemakers who are breaking barriers across industries. From history books and in classrooms to boardrooms and in the media, we must speak their names and learn stories about Black people who have not only persevered, but inspired future generations to strive for greatness and equity. We see and stand with you, Arian Simone! 

4. Partner with values-aligned teams - As they say, “Real recognize real.” I take this to heart when choosing which clients Mpact PR will partner with and the importance of ensuring we’re values-aligned. And as an underdog who has always rooted for other underdogs, I’m most interested in championing these stories because America has repeatedly tried to whitewash, diminish or omit our contributions entirely to maintain the status quo. 

Who will support OUR communities if we don’t?

At Mpact, we’re proud to amplify Black and underrepresented voices and their stories. We work with high-impact organizations, creative organizations, and individuals who are fighting to create a more equitable world. Our team’s diversity is our greatest strength. 

So, it’s not lost on me when partners repeatedly comment on Zoom, “Phew, it’s refreshing to join a call and see a team that looks like us!” Again, representation matters.

This DEI-issue is both personal and professional, so my advocacy will continue year-round.  

What actions are you taking or observing that keep you encouraged in the fight to protect DEI initiatives? 

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Before I go, here’s what I’m thinking about:

• CapEQ’s new Path to 15| 55 mini-documentary about how supporting Black-owned businesses can create jobs and add $55 billion to our economy. Path to 15|55 works to invest in Black-owned businesses, today and every day, because they know they aren’t supported at the same levels as businesses in white communities.

• Books I’m re-reading: “Misfits: A Personal Manifesto,” by Michaela Coel and “Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All,” by Tom and David Kelley

• Quote I’m pondering: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis