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Reframing the Call to Action: A Challenge to DEI Champions

Effenus Henderson
4 min readDec 14, 2024

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“Hard times forge bold advocates. Bold advocates create pathways to equity. Pathways to equity demand vigilant stewards. Complacency in stewardship risks the return of hard times.” — Effenus Henderson

This reframing challenges DEI champions to recognize the cyclical nature of progress and backlash — not as an inevitability, but as a call to vigilance, courage, and action. It reminds us that the work of justice and equality is never truly complete and that the moments of triumph demand renewed energy and focus to sustain the progress achieved.

The Fight for Equity: A Call to Courage and Vigilance

In a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives face an unrelenting backlash, we stand at a pivotal crossroads. Across the nation, far-right groups are working to dismantle the gains made toward equity, erasing opportunities for historically marginalized communities under the guise of “fairness.” These efforts are more than legal challenges — they are an ideological campaign aimed at rolling back justice itself. This moment demands not only resilience but also an unwavering commitment to progress. DEI champions must rise to the challenge, recognizing that equity is not a destination but an ongoing journey.

The Challenge to…

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Effenus Henderson
Effenus Henderson

Written by Effenus Henderson

President and CEO of HenderWorks Consulting and Co-Founder of the Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion. Convener, ISO Working Group, DEI

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