Defending Progress: What Will You Do to Keep Moving Forward?
In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson’s Civil Rights Act made it illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. His words still resonate: “Lay aside irrelevant differences and make our nation whole.”
Today, we face a concerning shift in direction. The current administration is aiming to undo decades of progress, stripping away over 65 years of hard-fought gains in the fight for equality and equity. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, once seen as pivotal for corporate and societal growth, are now being phased out at the corporate level. The funding for these initiatives has been slashed, and many important programs and research are being cut, stalling the progress we’ve made.
Le Chéile’s Commitment to Underrepresented Communities
When I founded Le Chéile in 2019, I was deeply committed to serving those who make up the majority of our population yet are still underrepresented and too often overlooked. To date, over 90% of our clients have been creative people of color, LGBTQ+, and female founders—groups who deserve to be supported, empowered, and recognized. At Agency Darlings™, the approach Melissa and I share is no different.
So, what about now?
Even as we see efforts to turn back the clock on progress, we are committed to upholding our values and continuing to drive change. Our focus will remain on ensuring that everyone, no matter their race, gender, or background, feels like they have an equal opportunity to succeed. Whether you’re a white male or a beautiful combination of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or female, we’re here to continue championing the importance of diversity in all its forms.
The Question for You: What Will You Do?
As the U.S. government and certain corporations, such as Target, Ford Motor Company, Meta, and others, move away from supporting the majority of our population and dismantle the very initiatives that have made a difference, what will you do?
Will you stand by and follow the trend, or will you take a stand like Apple, J.P. Morgan, and other organizations that continue to push forward?
What steps will you take to maintain your commitment to DEI in your hiring practices, your client base, and beyond? How are you ensuring that you represent and uplift voices different from your own?
Let’s use this as an opportunity to hold each other accountable and continue setting high standards in the work we do. Share your thoughts below—let’s help each other make a small difference, continue to challenge the status quo, and, together, keep pushing for progress.
