Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — We Can. We Must. We Will — Our Democracy Depends on it.
As an American citizen, I believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to our democracy. Our country was founded on the principles of inclusion, even if at the time it primarily benefited white immigrants. However, in 2023, our democracy is at risk of being hijacked by those who reject freedom, justice and equality, and the growing diversity of its citizens.
The phrase “ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -” is not just a slogan, it is a fundamental principle in the Declaration of Independence, that we must work to uphold. I firmly believe that by coming together as a nation - black, white, red, yellow, immigrant, gay, Jewish, and women, among others, we can restore faith in democracy.
I see how our values of honesty and integrity are being challenged and how people can win elections by promoting false narratives about themselves. Therefore, education about our history, the voices that were a part of that history, and the education and learning that must continue to deepen our knowledge of how the collective body of Americans helped to make our democracy what it is today is so important.
The stories of those who have come before us must be told, they must not be erased. Their experiences and perspectives are a vital part of who we are as a nation. America is depending on each one of us to protect our democracy and that starts with understanding and embracing our diversity. We can, we must, and we will protect it.
Additionally, I believe that diversity education and training are essential in order to fully understand and appreciate the complexity of our shared history. It is crucial to address the unspoken biases that exist in our society and to build on the collective lived experiences of all Americans. By doing so, we can honor the legacy and sacrifices of our ancestors, who fought for a more inclusive and equitable society. This education and training should be mandatory and ongoing, starting at a young age, and it should be inclusive of all cultures, races, and genders. Only through understanding and learning from our past can we hope to create a better future for all Americans.
We can. We must. We will. Our democracy depends on it.
Effenus Henderson
