Corporate America is turning its back on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Many companies once made bold promises, but now they’re quietly scaling back. This shift isn’t just a setback—it’s a test of our fortitude. Black Americans have never been handed opportunities; we’ve always had to carve out our own. And this moment is no different. We must stand together, fight back with our wallets, and create our own economic power.

The Real Value of DEI in the Workplace

Diversity is not charity—it’s good business. Research shows that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their competitors by 36%. Inclusive workplaces drive innovation, attract top talent, and foster stronger decision-making. Companies that abandon DEI are choosing outdated, exclusionary models that weaken their own futures. But more importantly, they are turning their backs on the Black professionals who helped build them.

The Mistake These Companies Are Making

The decision to cut DEI programs is short-sighted. Some businesses cave to political pressure, while others falsely believe they no longer need structured diversity initiatives. They assume progress is permanent. But history tells us otherwise. Without DEI programs, hiring biases return, promotion opportunities shrink, and corporate leadership reverts to an exclusive club. We cannot let that happen without a fight.

Our Economic Power: The Numbers Don’t Lie

African Americans hold $1.6 trillion in buying power—a number that should make corporate America think twice before dismissing us. But here’s the problem: our dollars leave our communities almost as fast as we earn them. The Black dollar circulates within our community for only six hours. Compare that to 20 days in Jewish communities and 30 days in Asian communities. That’s why we must be intentional about where we spend our money. Every purchase is a vote, and it’s time we start voting for businesses that support us.

Fighting Back: Two Paths, One Goal

Expose Companies That Cut DEI We are launching a website dedicated to tracking corporations that dismantle DEI efforts. This platform will collect data and publish a running list of companies retreating from their diversity commitments. When we know which businesses refuse to invest in our future, we can hold them accountable where it hurts—their bottom line. Current List of Companies Scaling Back DEI (by revenue):

  1. Amazon – $524 billion

  1. Google – $280 billionMicrosoft– $150 billion

  1. Meta (Facebook) – $116 billion

  1. Wells Fargo – $83 billion

  1. Salesforce – $34 billion
These companies have laid off DEI officers, slashed funding, or eliminated racial equity commitments. They are making a choice. Now, we must make ours.

Build and Support Black Businesses The best way to fight back is to build our own. If we redirect just 10% of our spending toward Black-owned businesses, we will generate jobs, create wealth, and foster self-sufficiency. Platforms like WeBuyBlack, The Black Business Directory, and Blacksourcemedia.com help consumers find Black-owned businesses that deserve our support.

The Cook Shop Seasonings is a Black Owned Business

The Power of Our Dollars

Boycotting anti-DEI companies isn’t just about protest—it’s about power. The Montgomery Bus Boycott wasn’t just about refusing to ride the bus; it was about showing that Black dollars mattered. When we stop spending with businesses that don’t respect us, they feel it. When we redirect our money to Black businesses, we strengthen our communities and build lasting economic independence.

How We Can Stand Together and Thrive

  • Stop Spending with Anti-DEI Companies: A dollar not spent is a message sent.
  • Invest in Black-Owned Banks: Banks like Liberty Bank reinvest in Black communities.
  • Push for Policy Protections: Demand state and federal laws that protect workplace diversity.
  • Spread the Word: Share this movement on social media, in your communities, and in your workplaces.
Dangerous Double Standard When Black People Second Line

Whatcha’ Gonna Do About This? – A Defining Moment

This isn’t just about DEI—it’s about our future. Companies are retreating from racial equity, but we don’t have to accept it. We have the power, the numbers, and the resources to fight back. If we make our money work for us, we won’t just survive this moment—we will come out stronger, wealthier, and more unified than ever.

External Links With Relevant Info

4 thoughts on “How African Americans Can Thrive Amid the DEI Cutback”
  1. Excellent reporting Jeff. For over 40 years I have struggled, toiled and expressed my desire to help uplift our community. I have always hired young black men who I mentored and trained in the security business. In my early years, I was quite successful in doing so, until Katrina.

    I have had many highs, first black owned company certified with the State Fire Marshal’s office to design, install, and service Life Safety Systems; first black company awarded a contract to install the CCTV camera systems in the French Quarter; black owned company that was the “catalyst” for the first city-wide camera system program; installed cameras on the Moonwalk, which are controlled and monitored at the Aquarium; first black company awarded the contract to install the security systems for HANO; first black company awarded a service and maintenance contract for the Fire Alarm Systems at Tulane University; and the list goes on!

    Simultaneously, I have experienced crushing lows. Red-lined at financial institutions for expansion loans; DBE (then, DEI now) participation denials and/or attempts to “extort kickbacks’ for my involvement; “haters” coming at me from ALL sides, not just the white business community, but back-owned enterprises as well! And with courage, honesty and integrity, I still pushed forward and persevered! Now at my “young old age” I am just “dog tired boss”!
    Am I am still in the game!!
    Keep up the “good works”

  2. Excellent piece Jeff. I have always said that we are the consumers and we have enormous power based on with whom we spend our money. Maybe Trump does us a favor by convincing us that no one will help us. We have to do it for ourselves and that begins with supporting black owned businesses.

    1. Lauren P You are correct. My researcher corrected herself after your question and we have updated the article to more accurately reflect the reality. In fact, JP Morgan must be commended for remaining steadfast and resolute despite pressure from conservative groups. Thank you for your question!

      Jeff

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