By Janelle Williams, Ph.D.

A Pivotal Moment in History 

We are living in a defining moment in American history where justice and freedom are under direct attack. The recent wave of opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is not just an ideological debate—it is a strategic attempt to push historically disinvested communities further into economic exclusion and civil disenfranchisement. These attacks are rooted in systemic racism, classism, sexism, xenophobia, and homophobia all of which work together to uphold a status quo that benefits the few at the expense of the many. 

The widening wealth divide is a stark reminder that communities of color have long been denied economic opportunity, access, and shared prosperity. An attack on DEI is ultimately an attack on justice, democracy, and the foundational ideals of equity. 

The Business Case for Economic Inclusion 

Economic inclusion is not about giving unearned advantages; it is about removing systemic barriers so that all individuals can compete. The organizations that embrace inclusion set new standards in their industries and drive innovation that benefits all. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that companies with diverse leadership teams consistently outperform their less inclusive counterparts. Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 21% more likely to experience profitability growth, while those in the top quartile for ethnic diversity are 33% more likely to be industry leaders.  

Businesses championing economic inclusion set the standard in their industries and are realizing returns on this investment.  Economic inclusion is not about giving unearned advantages; it is about removing systemic barriers so that all individuals can compete.  

Now Is the Time for Collective Action 

We cannot afford to be distracted by intended chaos. Our focus must be on building solidarity, mobilizing resources, and advocating for structural change. Now more than ever, we must take collective action to secure economic freedom and create pathways for all individuals to participate in local and national economies. 

Building Collective Power  

This requires a coordinated and results-based approach to improve outcomes for all people and ensure that no people or places are pushed to the economic fringes. This approach requires a commitment to:   

• Promote economic organizing – Invest in coordinated infrastructure that supports inclusive economies, especially in the American South, where economic inequities remain stark. 
• Strengthening institutions and ecosystems – Build strong institutions that reflect democratic values and support mission-aligned entities driving systemic change. 
• Prioritize resource ownership – Move beyond dependency and leverage collective resources to own, innovate, and shape new economic models. 

Leading with Solutions 

Our communities do not need more studies detailing the problems—they need actionable solutions. Systemic racism is a well-documented barrier to opportunity. Instead of repeatedly analyzing the issue, we must focus on implementing scalable, interdisciplinary solutions that prioritize: 

• Place-based economic development. 
• Coordinated advocacy infrastructure. 
• Cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable change. 

Investing in Justice and Economic Freedom 

Wealth finances freedom. To achieve lasting change, we must break away from transactional engagements that maintain economic disparities and instead prioritize investments in innovation, organizing, and ecosystem-building. It is time to: 

• Invest in local economies that center community wealth. 
• Support coordinated economic infrastructures. 
• Address the systemic root causes of economic injustice. 

The Talented 90th Campaign: A New Paradigm for Building Wealth 

We invite you to join our Talented 90th Campaign, a movement that redefines wealth for historically economically excluded communities by prioritizing investment in the broader 90th percentile rather than a select few. Inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of the Talented Tenth, this initiative shifts the focus from individual exceptionalism to collective empowerment. 

The Path Forward 

Investing in Kindred means investing in an ecosystem committed to economic justice. Solidarity is the key to lasting change. Together, we can build a future where economic opportunity is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. 

As Nelson Mandela once said: 

“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” 

Now is the time to stand on the right side of history. Let’s build a future rooted in economic justice, equity, and shared prosperity.