06/20/2026
The following message arrived yesterday. I am delighted to read this today, on Juneteenth.
This make me think about decision some in America have made to label those of us who were given opportunities through DEI “unqualified.” This move represents the same mindset that destroyed Tulsa, Oklahoma. The decision to label every successful black in America DEI reeks of the same sick mindset that lead the murder of hundreds of of successful people of color.
The reality is that all who worked and studied hard advanced fairly in industry and academia. DEI simply opened the doors that gave wings to our excellence.
Furthermore, the ignorance that has decided that all successful black people were given a leg up with DEI is horrifying.
I am the daughter of a lawyer who was educated in London when Jamaica was under British rule. My Jamaican grandfather and his generation saw to my father’s education. My father’s uncle founded Clarendon College. My father, a brilliant man, was its first student. My grandfather was able to buy land that he asked to be set aside for his grandchildren’s education.
We are diverse, we are strong and we are resilient. If you close one door, we will find another.
Those who want to take DEI, be my guest. As we succeed you seek to humiliate us by telling the world that DEI means unqualified. You can no longer burn our banks and houses or kill us to erase our success. Instead you gave turned to psychological lynching by discounting each one our successes as stolen or a handout. You have made sure that brilliant, qualified, successful black people are shamed and ridiculed though they have studied, built, unvented, healed, and lead in ways many of you cannot.
I’m saying all this to say that, if you want your DEI, take it. There are now enough of us to foster the success of the rest of us. We will continue to thrive. Gifts given with ill will are not gifts after all but traps that will continue to keep us down. To the next generation: We’ve got you.
Congrats Kyle. You have made us proud.
“Ms. Ruth
I trust you are keeping well. I wanted to take a moment to share some wonderful news with you, as you have played an important role in his journey.
Kyle has graduated from Shoreline College with a degree in Health Information Technology. I am incredibly proud, and I truly appreciate your support and encouragement over the years.
With heartfelt gratitude 🙏”
