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5 Quick Messaging Tips for Championing DEI & A Story of an Inclusive Economy

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In our last post, we discussed the increasing attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly in the context of education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The recent legal battle involving the Fearless Fund, a Black women-led venture capital fund, illustrates the gravity of these challenges. While the case has now been settled, the outcome raises critical questions about the future of DEI programs designed to address systemic exclusion. Below, we share five key messaging tips to effectively champion DEI and support a more inclusive economy.


  1. Don’t Cede the Meaning of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Just as opponents of critical race theory have sought to redefine its meaning, the same strategy is being employed against DEI. A retreat from DEI signals a return to a status quo that excluded BIPOC communities, women, and other traditionally marginalized groups. Advocating for DEI is not just about increasing representation—it’s about addressing inequities and correcting historical wrongs.


  2. Understand the Legal Context: The Fearless Fund’s decision to shutter its grant program for Black women was a result of a settlement with conservative activist Edward Blum and his organization, the American Alliance for Equal Rights. The lawsuit claimed that the program was discriminatory against non-Black entrepreneurs, and a federal appeals court ruling in June 2024 suspended the grant program, which awarded $20,000 to Black women business owners. Despite the settlement, which led to the permanent closure of the grant, the Fearless Fund can continue other activities aimed at expanding economic opportunities .


  3. Center the Reasons These Programs Exist: Programs like the Fearless Strivers Grant were created to address historical exclusion from venture capital funding. For decades, white male entrepreneurs have received the lion’s share of venture capital, while Black entrepreneurs, especially Black women, have been severely underfunded. The settlement with the Fearless Fund underscores the importance of such initiatives, as only 2% of investment professionals in venture capital were Black women in 2022 . Without such programs, the gap in funding will likely continue to grow.


  4. Call Out the Insidious Nature of Anti-DEI Claims: In 2023, Black entrepreneurs received less than 2% of venture capital funds, and Black women received less than 1%. Claims that programs like the Fearless Strivers Grant are "unfair" or "discriminatory" distort reality. If fairness were the true goal, the focus would be on the vastly disproportionate share of funding that continues to go to white men at the expense of others. Closing these programs further entrenches existing inequities .


  5. Tell a Better Story Grounded in Equity and History: Opponents of DEI often employ a scarcity mindset, framing the inclusion of marginalized communities as a zero-sum game that threatens the status quo. We need to counter this narrative by telling a more compelling story—one that acknowledges the historical context of exclusion and centers on expanding opportunity for everyone. DEI initiatives are about creating a more just, equitable, and innovative economy that benefits all communities, not just the privileged few.


The outcome of the Fearless Fund lawsuit signals a growing assault on DEI initiatives. Despite the challenges, it’s crucial to continue advocating for programs that address systemic inequities and support underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship and beyond. Investors, funders, and stakeholders must be proactive in crafting clear, purposeful messaging that champions DEI and builds a more inclusive economy.


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