For decades, affirmative action and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been seen as tools to level the playing field for Black Americans. Many have argued that these policies were necessary to correct historical injustices and provide equal opportunities. However, the reality is that these programs have overwhelmingly benefited other groups—white women, Latinos, and LGBTQ individuals—while Black people remain at the bottom in terms of economic and social progress.
The truth is, no amount of DEI or affirmative action can fix the deeper issue within our community: a lack of unity. Other groups, despite their internal differences, band together for collective progress. Meanwhile, too often, Black individuals who attain success find themselves in conflict with one another rather than building each other up. It is time to face the facts—self-sufficiency and unity will do more for us than any government program ever could.
The Origins of Affirmative Action: Who Was It Really For?
Affirmative action was first introduced by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 through Executive Order 10925, which required government contractors to take “affirmative action” to ensure job applicants were treated equally regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. President Lyndon B. Johnson expanded on this in 1965, making affirmative action a cornerstone of civil rights-era policies.
The idea was simple: after centuries of systemic racism, Black Americans needed a boost to compete in education and employment. However, from the very beginning, these policies were never strictly for Black people. Affirmative action was designed as a broad measure that would apply to all “disadvantaged” groups, leaving room for others to benefit.
Who Benefited the Most?
- White Women: The Biggest Winners
Contrary to popular belief, the primary beneficiaries of affirmative action and DEI initiatives have not been Black Americans but white women.
A 1995 report by the Department of Labor found that white women filled the majority of jobs created by affirmative action policies in the workplace.
A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research confirmed that white women gained more from these policies in education and employment than any other demographic.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that between 1970 and today, white women have seen their participation in professional fields grow significantly—due in large part to affirmative action policies that encouraged companies to diversify.
Meanwhile, Black employment and wages have not increased at the same rate. Many companies satisfied their “diversity” requirements by hiring white women, leaving Black workers behind.
- Latinos and Immigrants: Rising While Black Americans Stagnate
The Pew Research Center reports that Latinos have become the largest minority group in college enrollments, surpassing Black Americans.
Affirmative action in education was originally intended to help Black students gain access to elite institutions, but in many cases, Latino students—some of whom are first-generation immigrants—have taken a larger share of available spots.
Many corporate DEI programs now lump Black employees into a larger category of “people of color,” diluting the focus on Black-specific advancement.
As a result, Latinos, who maintain strong economic and cultural unity, have used these programs as a stepping stone to surpass Black Americans in economic mobility.
- The LGBTQ Community: New Priorities in DEI
In recent years, DEI initiatives have shifted from a race-based focus to an emphasis on LGBTQ inclusion. Corporations now invest millions in LGBTQ-friendly policies, often at the expense of racial diversity efforts.
A 2023 analysis of corporate diversity spending found that LGBTQ-focused programs received more funding than Black-focused initiatives.
Many companies now measure diversity success through LGBTQ representation rather than Black advancement in executive leadership.
While inclusion is important, the shift in priorities means that the original goal of addressing systemic racism against Black Americans has taken a backseat.
The Real Issue: Black Disunity
The harsh truth is that while other groups have used these policies to elevate themselves, Black Americans remain in the same position because we lack internal unity.
When other communities get ahead, they circulate their money within their own communities. Studies show that the Black dollar leaves Black communities within six hours, while in Asian and Jewish communities, it circulates for weeks.
While other minority groups build businesses and create wealth, we are often focused on individual success rather than collective upliftment.
As soon as a Black individual gains power, instead of working to lift others, they often face sabotage from within their own community.
No DEI initiative can fix these problems. Only a cultural shift towards self-reliance, economic independence, and unity will bring lasting progress.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
It is time to move beyond DEI and affirmative action. These programs have served their purpose for others, but they have not uplifted Black people in the way we had hoped. Instead of relying on government programs, we must:
- Support Black Businesses – Circulating our money within our own communities is key to building lasting wealth.
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Emphasize Education and Skill Development – Instead of focusing on access to elite schools, we must develop trade skills and entrepreneurship.
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Unify and Collaborate – Just as other groups do, we must put aside differences and work together for mutual progress.
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Control Our Own Media and Narratives – Stop waiting for others to represent us and create platforms that speak to our experiences.
The truth is, no law, program, or policy will save us. Only we can do that. The time for waiting is over. The time for unity and action is now.
