DEI Champions: “Make Them Hear You!”
In a world where voices often go unheard and messages are frequently disregarded, it becomes crucial for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practitioners and activists to find ways to amplify their message. Inspired by the powerful song “Make Them Hear You” from the renowned musical “Ragtime,” composed by Stephen Flaherty and with lyrics penned by Lynn Ahrens, this essay explores the significance of effective storytelling, the complexities of justice, and the transformative power of advocacy.
By embracing the power of their stories, engaging in peaceful yet resolute battles for justice, and empowering future generations, DEI practitioners and activists strive towards a society where everyone’s voice is not only heard but also valued.
The Power of Our Stories
The stories of DEI practitioners and activists possess a remarkable ability to transcend barriers, ignite empathy, and create connections. When they go out and tell their stories, letting them echo far and wide, they invite others to bear witness to their experiences and understand the injustices they face. By sharing their narratives, they open the door to dialogue and engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
The Battle for Justice
Justice is often elusive, withheld from those who deserve it the most. DEI practitioners and activists fight tirelessly to challenge the status quo and address systemic inequalities. Their battle for justice is not limited to the realms of black or white; it encompasses the intricate nuances and complexities of the human experience. By highlighting the multifaceted nature of justice, they confront those who attempt to oversimplify or dismiss their struggle.
Empowering Future Generations
To truly make an impact, DEI practitioners and activists must go beyond their immediate goals and consider the future. By sharing their stories with daughters and sons, they pass on the torch of advocacy, inspiring them to carry the legacy forward. In their struggle, they acknowledge that they are not alone; others have fought similar battles throughout history. By educating and empowering the next generation, they ensure that the pursuit of justice becomes an enduring legacy.
The Transformative Power of Advocacy
The weapons of choice for DEI practitioners and activists may vary — be it a sword, a sermon, or the power of the pen — but the underlying purpose remains the same: to make them hear. Advocacy takes many forms, and each voice has the potential to shape a more equitable society. When they teach every child to raise their voice, they empower them to challenge injustice and demand a better future. It is through the collective efforts of millions of righteous individuals that the demand for justice becomes a force that cannot be ignored.
By harnessing the power of their storytelling, challenging the oversimplification of complex issues, empowering future generations, and engaging in diverse forms of advocacy, we can begin to make significant strides towards a society where every voice is heard and valued. We will continue to echo our stories far and wide, knowing that, in the pursuit of justice, we are never alone.
The song “Make Them Hear You” resonates with the struggles faced by DEI practitioners and activists in their quest for justice and inclusion.
Go out and tell our story
Let it echo far and wide
Make them hear you
Make them hear you
How justice was our battle
And how justice was denied
Make them hear you
Make them hear you
And say to those who blame us
For the way we chose to fight
That sometimes there are battles
That are more than black or white…
And I could not put down my sword
When justice was my right
Make them hear you
Go out and tell our story
To your daughters and your sons
Make them hear you
Make them hear you
And tell them, in our struggle
We were not the only ones
Make them hear you
Make them hear you
Your sword can be a sermon
Or the power of theb pen
Teach every child to raise his voice
And then, my brothers, then
Will justice be demanded
By ten million righteoust men
Make them hear you
When they hear you
I’ll be near you
Again
The Song from Ragtime
