EvenField
The World of DEI and Black Economic Impact
About EvenField
What is DEI?
Before DEI and Black Impact on the Economy
The DEI movement in the United States traces its roots to the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Initially, the focus was on combating racial discrimination and promoting equal rights for African Americans. Over time, DEI has expanded to encompass gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other identities.
Prior to the implementation of DEI policies, African Americans faced systemic barriers, including segregation, discriminatory hiring practices, and limited access to quality education and economic opportunities.
Despite these challenges, Black entrepreneurs and businesses have made significant contributions to the U.S. economy. However, systemic exclusion has historically limited the full potential of Black economic influence.
Significant Challenges Remaining for Black People
Access to Capital:
Black-owned businesses often face difficulties in securing funding and investments, hindering growth and sustainability.
Representation in Leadership:
There is a persistent underrepresentation of Black professionals in executive and leadership positions.
Systemic Inequities:
Ongoing disparities in education, healthcare, and housing continue to affect Black communities disproportionately.
Studies have shown that companies embracing DEI initiatives experience better financial performance and innovation. For instance, McKinsey & Company reported that organizations with diverse executive teams are more likely to outperform their peers.
Comparing Success Rates
of Companies with and without
DEI Initiatives
Over the decades, there has been a notable increase in the adoption of DEI programs within corporations. This surge aims to address workplace disparities and foster inclusive environments.
Conversely, companies retreating from DEI commitments, especially under political pressure, may face consumer backlash and potential declines in performance. For example, Target experienced a significant drop in foot traffic after retracting its DEI initiatives.
However, recent political developments have led some companies to scale back these initiatives, highlighting the ongoing debate over the role and impact of DEI in the corporate sector.
Timeline of DEI's Impact on Black People and Broader Society
1960s
Civil Rights Movement leads to landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
1990s
The concept of inclusion gains prominence, emphasizing not just representation but also the integration of diverse perspectives.
2020
The murder of George Floyd sparks global protests, leading many companies to reassess and strengthen their DEI commitments.
Affirmative action policies are implemented to promote equal employment opportunities for Black individuals.
DEI initiatives expand to address intersectionality, considering factors like gender, sexual orientation, and disability.
2023
The Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in higher education impacts Black student enrollments.
1970s
2000s
1980s
Corporate diversity programs emerge, focusing on increasing minority representation in the workforce.
2010s
Data-driven approaches to DEI are adopted, with companies setting measurable goals for diversity and inclusion.
2025
The Trump administration issues executive orders dismantling federal DEI initiatives, causing confusion and reevaluation of DEI efforts in both public and private sectors.
Ethics
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Privacy
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Future Endeavors
With more time we would implement:
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an AI model that shows how your dollar has different impacts within black-supporting/black-owned businesses versus other competitors
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a predictive model that shows what the wealth gap will look like with/without DEI initiatives. It also shows how this impacts the economy. Shows what the possible repercussions could be if DEI is rolled back
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Real-time charts displaying black economic impact
