From DEI to DYOT: Reclaiming Our Power and Prosperity

The recent backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, with many corporations either scaling back or outright canceling them, has left many in Black and marginalized communities questioning their next steps. For years, DEI was paraded as the progressive answer to systemic inequities. It promised to make workplaces fairer, society more inclusive, and opportunities more equitable. But as these initiatives crumble under political and economic pressures, a hard truth emerges: DEI was never truly about inclusion. It was, and perhaps always has been, about “Do Your Own Thing” (DYOT) — a coded reminder for marginalized groups, especially Black people, that systemic change isn’t coming and we are ultimately on our own.

The Illusion of Inclusion

At its core, DEI presented itself as a moral imperative to address historical and structural wrongs. It spoke of representation, fairness, and belonging. Yet, for all the training sessions, task forces, and corporate pledges, the tangible outcomes have been underwhelming. While a few have climbed the ladder within these programs, the broader picture reveals that DEI was more about optics than outcomes.

For example, in 2020, companies pledged $50 billion toward racial equity initiatives following the murder of George Floyd. However, by mid-2023, only $1 billion of those commitments had been spent, with little transparency on the actual impact of these funds. DEI positions, such as Chief Diversity Officers, have also experienced high turnover rates, with many professionals expressing frustration over lack of authority and organizational resistance to change.

Corporations touted their DEI initiatives in glossy annual reports and at high-profile conferences, but these efforts often lacked substance. Resources allocated to these programs were dwarfed by investments in other areas, signaling their true priority. For many organizations, DEI became a checkbox—a symbolic gesture to appease external pressures rather than a transformative framework for change.

This hollow commitment became apparent when the political winds shifted. Under scrutiny and backlash from various quarters, DEI programs were among the first to face cuts. If inclusion and equity were truly integral to these organizations, these initiatives would have been fortified, not abandoned. Instead, their rapid dismantling underscores a harsh reality: DEI was never about systemic change; it was about maintaining the status quo under the guise of progressivism.

From DEI to DYOT

Understanding this disillusionment, it becomes clear that “Do Your Own Thing” (DYOT) isn’t just a catchy reframing—it’s the unspoken ethos that has underpinned much of DEI’s failure. The message to Black communities is implicit but undeniable: if you want progress, you have to create it yourself.

For decades, we’ve sought validation and opportunity within systems that were never designed for our success. DEI offered the hope that these systems could be reformed, but the recent abandonment of these programs tells a different story. The path forward isn’t in waiting for inclusion or equity to be handed to us. It’s in building our own tables, owning our own narratives, and driving our own economic prosperity.

The Imperative of Economic Independence

Economic power has always been the cornerstone of real change. Black communities have historically been at the forefront of innovation, resilience, and enterprise, often creating wealth and opportunities despite systemic barriers. From the success of Black Wall Street to the rise of Black-owned tech startups today, our history is rich with examples of self-determination.

The successes of Black-led ventures like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, which disrupted the beauty industry by prioritizing inclusivity, and Robert F. Smith’s Vista Equity Partners, one of the largest private equity firms globally, demonstrate what happens when we reclaim control of our narratives and resources. Fenty Beauty reached $600 million in revenue within its first year, highlighting the value of addressing overlooked markets.

DYOT challenges us to double down on this legacy. Instead of relying on external validation or waiting for corporations to prioritize our inclusion, we must focus on building businesses, supporting Black entrepreneurs, and fostering networks of mutual aid and investment within our communities.

This isn’t about abandoning the fight for justice or equity in larger systems. It’s about recognizing that our power to effect change grows exponentially when we control the levers of our own economic destiny. Owning businesses, creating wealth, and reinvesting in our communities is not just an act of survival—it’s an act of revolution.

Turning DYOT into a Movement

To transform “Do Your Own Thing” from a survival mechanism into a thriving movement, we need a deliberate and collective strategy.

Invest in Black Businesses Support Black-owned businesses by being intentional about where you spend your money. Advocate for greater investment in Black startups and entrepreneurs. This includes building and sustaining community funds and cooperatives to pool resources for collective prosperity.
Leverage Technology The digital age has lowered barriers to entry in many industries. Use technology to create platforms, share resources, and connect with global markets. Black innovators have the power to lead in emerging fields like fintech, AI, and renewable energy.
Educate and Empower Education is a critical tool for empowerment. Create mentorship programs, invest in financial literacy, and support educational initiatives that prepare the next generation of Black leaders and entrepreneurs.
Build Coalitions Collaboration amplifies impact. Form alliances across industries, geographies, and movements to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities. Strengthen networks that enable collective action and mutual support.
Reclaim the Narrative Representation in media, arts, and culture matters. We must own our stories and challenge stereotypes that undermine our value. Highlighting Black excellence, resilience, and innovation helps shift perceptions and inspires future generations.

Moving Beyond DEI

The unraveling of DEI initiatives isn’t the end of the story—it’s a call to action. For too long, we’ve sought change within systems designed to exclude us. DYOT isn’t just a resignation to this reality; it’s a reclamation of power. It’s a reminder that our strength lies in our ability to build, create, and thrive on our own terms.

Black prosperity has never been a gift bestowed by others—it has always been the product of our resilience, ingenuity, and determination. The path forward demands that we embrace this truth, step into our power, and shape a future that reflects our vision, values, and potential.

As DEI fades into the background, DYOT rises as a rallying cry for Black communities around the globe to harness their collective strength and chart their own path to economic and social liberation. The time to act is now, and the responsibility is ours.

Share on socials using this caption: 🚀 From DEI to DYOT: Reclaiming Power & Prosperity 💡 As corporations scale back DEI efforts, the message is clear—systemic change isn’t coming. It’s time to build our own tables, own our narratives, and drive economic independence. Black prosperity thrives when we control our future. Let’s invest, innovate, and lead. #DYOT #BlackExcellence #EconomicPower #ReclaimTheFuture