Corporate America’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was never about true systemic change but rather a temporary move to appease public outrage after 2020. While companies like Target and McDonald’s initially pledged support for Black communities, they have since rolled back their DEI efforts, revealing their true priorities. These initiatives largely benefited white women while failing to dismantle anti-Black workplace discrimination and exclusion. The piece argues that DEI was always a band-aid solution, designed to protect corporate reputations rather than challenge structural inequities.

This essay explores the frustration and disillusionment with nonprofit and government sectors, examining how both often fall short of their promises to support Black communities. Through personal experiences, the essay discusses how these spaces can perpetuate oppressive structures, even as they claim to work toward social progress. It critiques the performative allyship and empty promises frequently arising during election seasons, revealing a gap between rhetoric and meaningful action.