A letter to my grandfather

In our current climate, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is being weaponized and misused. From corporations using the framework to describe historically marginalized identities by stating they are a “DEI Hire” to laws and policies ripping programs, resources, and positions from higher education institutions by creating a narrative rooted in fear that DEI was created to harm white people. The aforementioned examples are all tactics being used to stop the mission of practitioners, educators, advocators, you and me from challenging systems that have harmed the global majority and placed particular identities and experiences on pedestals to silence others. On June 3, 2024, I lost my personal champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — my grandfather. My grandparents raised me, and this was the first major death I experienced in my life at 34 years old. As a director, student, consultant and educator of diversity, equity and inclusion, I often spoke about the relationship between me and my grandfather that included discussion around a plethora of topics related to DEI. My grandfather was the definition of a strong southern Black man that had his ways and ideas. He raised me to be a believer of God, strongly advocated for his children...