Diversity in America: Manifest Destiny or a Delusion of Myopic Proportions? – Word In Black

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This post was originally published on The Washington Informer
By D. Kevin McNeir
America’s relationship with and support of laws and principles that undergird diversity have ebbed and flowed since the nation’s formative years, when men like George Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin led a rebellion against British rule in efforts to “form a more perfect Union.”
However, as America approaches 250 years of independence and with the second Trump administration eradicating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), erasing parts of U.S. history and firing thousands of government workers, some citizens wonder does “perfect” provide for the inclusion of “the other,” or does it more accurately require the elimination and subjugation of those who are considered “different?”
“Diversity is just a word because nothing has really changed in America since the days of Jefferson and Washington who were two of the biggest slaveholders of their time,” said Dr. Shantella Sherman, an educator and historian who specializes in the field of eugenics. “We can ill afford to be distracted by the games being played by the current administration and the propaganda being disseminated by mainstream media.”
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Sherman noted since America’s inception, African Americans have never been fully accepted and thus, always have had to be on guard, before offering a current call to action for Black people today.
“The elders were never fooled, and we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be fooled either,” she told The Informer. “In hard times, Blacks worked two or three jobs, took in roommates to pay the bills and respected our institutions, like the church. We must get back to the basics.”
However, even before the return of President Donald Trump to the White House on Jan. 20, rejection of diversity went beyond just Black Americans, encompassing religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation and gender.
Rawle Andrews, a highly regarded attorney and the current president of The Bar Association of D.C., believes that with the current political and social climate, the United States could return to “separate but equal” ideologies and laws unless those who believe in the benefits of diversity become more vocal and stand their ground.
“We are at a crossroads because while many Americans remain underrepresented – from state houses and colleges to businesses and colleges – we continue to see the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of policies that eliminate efforts to require and secure greater diversity in America,” Andrews said.
Andrews said he sees the nation rushing to roll back the advances made during the Civil Rights Movement and a hardening of the American spirit.
“It took sacrifice from citizens of all races and religions to achieve the progress we’ve made including the right for all Americans to quality education, unencumbered voting, and the opportunity to purchase a home wherever a person wants to live,” he explained. “But under the current administration, the strategy is clear: to roll back the clock. Nothing is sacred, nothing is guaranteed anymore. For those who recognize the benefits of diversity, we must keep our eyes on the prize.”
The Rev. Dr. Franklyn Malone, CEO and founder of the D.C.-based, 100 Fathers, Inc., told The Informer that he has read the reports and heard rhetoric about why some leaders view diversity as a negative – from fear of change and economic concerns, to personal experiences, political beliefs and even lack of exposure. However, he pushed back on those ideals, noting the basic importance of diversity: it provides everyone with a voice.
“America is more than just one color and one belief,” he explained. “Black people died to get to the level many of us enjoy today, but there are those who want to close the door on all the things we have achieved. Now that we have more Blacks with PhD’s and master’s degrees, more Blacks in upper management and owning businesses, we are deemed as a threat to white supremacy.”
Despite the GOP’s current anti-diversity efforts, Andrews told The Informer justice in America must remain nonpartisan.
“When Thurgood Marshall argued against segregation in Brown v. Board, we knew that the court could decide either way,” Andrews said. “Whether we agreed or not with their decision, the court’s voice worked because they were uniform in calling balls and strikes. It didn’t matter who was up to bat. The Supreme Court stood in the gap for all Americans. Today, I’m not convinced that is the case.”
As Republicans and Democrats duke it out on Capitol Hill, Malone emphasized the power of Americans practicing their civic duties if they want to see true change and justice.
“If we’re dissatisfied with our elected officials and believe that they’re unable or unwilling to represent us fairly, we need to vote them out of office,” Malone told The Informer. “What are the issues that matter most to African Americans? That’s what we need to determine. Then, we need to register to vote and get to the polls en masse.”
Despite a divided nation, Malone said he believes the efforts toward eradicating diversity should encourage African Americans to unify and mobilize, emphasizing, “time is of the essence.”
“We must unite, and we need to show America the collective power of our dollars,” Malone told The Informer. “Fraternities, sororities, the NAACP, the Masons, NAN, the National Urban League, and others must come together. This was long overdue. It may be shocking but maybe this was the wakeup that Black America needed.”
The post Diversity in America: Manifest Destiny or a Delusion of Myopic Proportions? appeared first on The Washington Informer.
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A NATIONAL MEDIA BRAND INNOVATING ON THE LEGACY OF THE BLACK PRESS.