As a Black business owner, I feel it’s important to address the increasing opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The notion that Black businesses flourish *only* because of DEI policies is not only untrue but also diminishes the significant contributions we make to the economy.
I have never sought business based on my race. Clients choose to collaborate with me because they value the unique access I provide to a network of accomplished Black professionals. This success, rooted in merit, mirrors the widespread impact of Black-owned businesses nationwide. Consider these recent data points:
• Economic Output: Black-owned employer firms contribute $128 billion to the U.S. economy and provide jobs for 1.18 million people.
• Growth Trends: From 2017 to 2022, Black-owned employer businesses grew steadily, increasing from 2.2% to 3.3% of all employer businesses.
• Revenue Generation: In 2021, Black-owned businesses generated $206 billion in annual revenue and supported 3.56 million U.S. jobs.
Despite these accomplishments, the federal and state bans on DEI policies have led to the unfair targeting of Black businesses, with critics wrongly attributing our success solely to these initiatives. This narrative is not only inaccurate but also harmful to our nation’s economic well-being.
Therefore, I urge the business community to:
• Recognize the inherent value that Black-owned businesses bring to the marketplace.
• Assess our businesses based on performance, innovation, and the concrete benefits we offer.
• Resist being influenced by politically motivated misconceptions that seek to undermine our achievements.
The Black community’s economic influence is substantial, contributing trillions to the U.S. economy. Black-owned businesses are vital to this impact, driving growth, promoting innovation, and generating employment opportunities throughout the nation. We are deserving of respect and equal opportunities. Our contributions are clear, our potential is immense, and our dedication to excellence is unwavering.
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8 thoughts on “Challenging the DEI Backlash: Upholding the Value and Integrity of Black-Owned Businesses”
This is a needed op-ed! I particularly love what you urged the business community to consider. Great read!
100% right on the money Dexter Bridgeman. We’ll said and I completely agree. What we know to be true especially for black women, is that we’ve always had to be 3-5x better and work 3-5x harder to get the recognition we deserve so when you work with Black-owned your getting that kind of a work ethic and result. Thank you for being such a powerful voice during the time.
Appreciate the encouragement Dexter!
From the very beginning, contributions by Blacks created the very fiber of this country, yet remains unrecognized. Skills proffered in agriculture in the cultivation of rice, cotton ,peanuts and other products Taught by Blacks; architectural and building skills shared by Blacks; innovation in daily used goods invented by Blacks, refrigeration, traffic lights, air conditioners, etc. .
I have always failed to fully understand the need of the segments of the community to suppress people of Color as it has for the past several hundred years.
The true failure is to knowingly deny opportunities via labels, which prevents America from achieving its full potential.
Very true words. The American economy is a real melting pot of people, ideas and determination. Race is prevalent but rising above this each and every day is the necessity to ensure that this rainbow coalition of culture continues to thrive!
As a fellow Black woman business owner, I wholeheartedly agree with your message. Our achievements are rooted in excellence, resilience, and—not handouts, I’ve built my business on integrity, performance, and the trust of clients who value the insight and expertise I bring to the table.
The recent pushback against DEI policies has been disheartening, especially when it attempts to minimize the real and measurable impact of Black-owned businesses. The data speaks volumes—our contributions are not only valid, vital to the U.S. economy.
Thank you for speaking truth to power. We must continue to push forward, uplift one another, and ensure our voices are heard and respected. Our worth isn’t up for debate—it’s proven every day through our work.
Very well said, Dexter
Thank you for highlighting the contributions of Black owned businesses. DEI helped to stop those that were blocking opportunities so we could demonstrate our excellence.