Last week I found myself in two different spaces that ultimately could have huge ramifications for the future of our work. First, I attended and spoke at a state hearing on the subject matter of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Georgia Freedom to be Heard Committee was organized by a group of state legislators, traveling the state hoping to give voice to the lived experiences of those impacted by DEI. We heard thought-provoking personal stories on the variety of ways that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts have positively impacted the individuals in our community. We also got a oral history of DEI related initiatives, and the pushback dating all the way back to reconstruction era (the 1870s) to prevent those formerly enslaved from experiencing their full participation in American life. The lesson was clear: what we’re seeing isn’t anything new. Every time our society has made a step in the direction of living up to our constitutional aims of including all people, it’s been met with resistance and cries of “reverse discrimination” or too much too soon.
I shared my own testimony of how after the recent attacks on DEI related initiatives I’ve seen the black led organizations that we support struggle to attract funding. Our own revenue has declined as organizations and companies have shied away from doing what’s right for fear of retribution. But in spite of the adversity and challenges we each named, it felt good to know that we weren’t alone in our efforts to keep pushing. We may need to pivot, rename and reclaim just as we’ve done for decades, but the work continues.
The following day, I found myself at my alma mater, on campus for the business school’s Black Business Institute. I attended the Institute with my wife, also a fellow alum and herself an entrepreneur. It was almost jarring given the conversations I’d just had the previous evening with state legislators and equity focused leaders. I was proud of my school for remaining committed to hosting and supporting such a gathering, despite the current political environment. During the day’s events, business leaders from across the community shared our trials and triumphs navigating the business environment as black professionals. We talked about the black revenue gap between black businesses and those led by white leaders. We noted that here in Georgia, we’re 34% of the state population and less than 1% of state contractors. We shared best practices and made important connections.
It was in many ways, like a homecoming. No one needed to offer an explanation for why we were here or why this space was needed. We just embraced the support that only our community can provide. My most important takeaway: Entrepreneurship is a team sport.