Equity At Work Webinar Series

Join us on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 12:00 PM for an impactful webinar on “DEI Fatigue: Addressing Backlash and Sustaining Momentum.” Hosted by Chrissy M. Thornton with guest panelists Dr. Duvalier Malone and Tara Berrien, JD.

The ongoing backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives - fueled by political polarization, economic instability, and social resistance - has led many companies to scale back their DEI commitments. This retreat, often labeled as “DEI fatigue” has serious implications for Black professionals who have fought tirelessly for progress in representation, belonging, and advancement.

For Black professionals, these rollbacks feel like a betrayal that undermines years of hard-won gains. The language used to justify these shifts - phrases like “meritocracy”, “culture fit”, or “business priorities” - often disguises resistance to real change. Black DEI leaders and advocates, who are frequently expected to spearhead equity efforts without adequate institutional support, face heightened scrutiny, backlash, and isolation.

In this Equity at Work session, we will unpack how DEI fatigue manifests in workplace culture and impacts Black professionals’ ability to thrive. Through honest dialogue and practical strategies, we will explore how to push back against resistance, advocate for accountability, and build coalitions that drive systemic change.

Attendees will leave this webinar equipped with tools to lead with resilience, influence policy, and leverage data-driven practices to sustain momentum. This session affirms that DEI is not a fleeting trend but a critical movement rooted in justice, equity, and transformational change.