Media Spotlight: Voices from the Diverse Press

Stories you need to know from newsrooms run by historically underrepresented peoples.

ADC Conference Spotlights Arab American Political Power and Palestine

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) made a powerful statement by moving its national conference from Washington, D.C., to Dearborn, a city with a strong Arab American presence. The event brought together diverse voices—activists, politicians, and journalists—to share personal stories of living under occupation and fighting systemic injustice. Key figures, including Jill Stein and Cornel West, urged ending U.S. aid to Israel, encouraging voters to support candidates who prioritize these issues. As the U.S. election approaches, the conference emphasized Arab American political power and their role in shaping policy.

Read more from Tareq Adam at The Arab American News.

Policy Spotlight

Stay updated on key policy changes and legislation affecting your workplace rights and opportunities.

Biden’s $1.3 Billion HBCU Investment Addresses Long-Standing Funding Disparities

The Biden-Harris administration announced a historic $1.3 billion investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), bringing their total support to over $17 billion since 2021. The funds are targeted at expanding research and providing need-based financial aid, directly benefiting students from low-income households, with a focus on increasing educational attainment and economic mobility for Black professionals. This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to uplifting historically underfunded institutions and diversifying America’s workforce.

 Read more from Nadra Nittle at The 19th.

Policy Roundup

• Native American Tribes Lead Climate Change Efforts with $300 Million Grant: Native American tribes, with their deep connection to the land, are taking a leading role in combating climate change, thanks to $300 million in EPA grants. Notable projects include Spirit Lake Nation’s electric vehicle and solar installations and Rosebud Sioux Tribe's electric garbage trucks and charging stations. These initiatives address decades of underinvestment while providing lasting environmental benefits. The grants empower community-driven solutions like transitioning away from propane heating and focusing on sustainable building materials for long-term impact. Read more from Grace Fiori at Buffalo's Fire.

• V.P. Kamala Harris on Race, Reparations, and Racial Healing—What It Could Mean for the Future: In a wide-ranging interview with the National Association of Black Journalists, Vice President Kamala Harris took a bold step by addressing race and reparations, marking a significant shift in her presidential campaign narrative. Harris emphasized the generational impact of slavery, redlining, and Jim Crow laws while signaling her support for a congressional-led commission on reparations (H.R.40). She linked racial justice to economic policies targeting Black maternal health, housing bias, and student debt. Read more from Gerren Keith Gaynor at The Grio.

• Wealthy Far-Right Groups Use U.S. Legal System to Divide and Conquer: Wealthy far-right groups like the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty are leveraging the U.S. legal system to pressure corporations into scaling back DEI efforts, pitting underrepresented communities against each other by framing “winners” and “losers” and “model minorities. This approach echoes the dismantling of affirmative action by the U.S. Supreme Court, which led to no significant increase in Asian American admissions to Ivy League schools but dismantled the policy using the physical attributes and likenesses of Asian Americans. Companies like Ford and Harley-Davidson, bowing to this pressure, have withdrawn from the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, weakening crucial LGBTQ+ workplace equality initiatives. Read more from Cathy Bussewitz at Associated Press.

DEI Insight Corner

Discover the latest in DEI innovations and strategies. Every historically underrepresented worker and ally should know best practices and emerging trends for inclusive workplaces.

Beyond Band-Aid DEI: How AORTA is Transforming DEI from the Inside Out

In a world where many DEI efforts focus on surface-level fixes like addressing microaggressions, Philadelphia’s Anti-Oppression Resource and Training Alliance (AORTA) is pushing organizations to go deeper. AORTA’s model prioritizes systemic change and accountability, guiding companies to confront the root causes of oppression, from white supremacy to patriarchy, within their governance structures. Their approach emphasizes the importance of democratizing decision-making and permanently shifting power dynamics to foster true inclusion and equity.

 When we read this article, we saw how marginalized workers could advocate for meaningful DEI efforts that go beyond “Band-Aid” solutions.

 Read more from Damon Orion at CounterPunch.

DEI Insights Roundup

• The Business Case for Trans+ Inclusion—Why Bigotry is Costing Companies Millions: In her powerful commentary, Marty Davies dismantles the myth that inclusivity hurts business, pointing to clear data that shows the opposite. Companies with diverse teams enjoy 20% more creativity and 30% better risk management, while inclusive advertising boosts long-term sales by 16%. Despite this, Trans+ employees face significant barriers, with 20% leaving their jobs due to mistreatment. Davies argues that ignoring these issues doesn’t just harm workers—it’s bad for business. Read more from Marty Davies at Fortune.

• JPMorgan’s Dimon Defends DEI—But Is It Enough?: At a recent conference, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon defended the company's DEI efforts, emphasizing that diversity is both a business strategy and a moral imperative. However, the bold promises of 2020 have shifted to a more cautious approach in 2024. Critics point out that JPMorgan’s DEI strategy is rooted in contradictions, including its history of predatory gentrification. Dimon may defend DEI publicly, but the question remains: is JPMorgan truly meeting the bar for equity and inclusion? Read more from Hunter Gilmore at Atlanta Daily World.

• Civil Rights Groups Urge Companies to Uphold DEI Amid Far-Right Pressure: A coalition of civil rights organizations, including Advocates for Trans Equality, the NAACP, and UnidosUS, has urged Fortune 1000 CEOs to resist pressure from right-wing activists and maintain their DEI programs. Although they warn of legal risks tied to dismantling DEI initiatives, these groups stop short of emphasizing that wage gaps persist due to illegal discrimination in hiring, promotion, and pay. Instead, the civil rights organization chose a conciliatory tone, focusing on research that indicates companies in the top quartile for diversity are 12% more likely to outperform their competitors, underscoring the business case for inclusion. Abandoning DEI could weaken businesses and alienate diverse consumers. Read the full statement: Collective Statement to F1000 CEOs.

• How to Assess the Health of DEI in Your Workplace: Dr. Steve Yacovelli, “The Gay Leadership Dude®,” offers practical advice for employees concerned about the future of DEI in their workplaces. As some companies scale back DEI efforts due to political pressure, Yacovelli suggests workers assess inclusivity by asking key questions: Has the DEI team been reduced? Are Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) being supported? Is senior leadership vocal about inclusivity? By staying informed, workers can gauge whether their companies are truly committed to diversity or simply rebranding it. Read more from Dr. Steve Yacovelli at Watermark Online.

Actionable Insights

Empower your life and career with targeted strategies and tools to overcome systemic barriers and achieve your career and personal goals.

MacKenzie Scott's Philanthropy Helps Indigenous Americans Reshape Nonprofit Funding Landscape

MacKenzie Scott’s $132.5 million in unrestricted grants has revolutionized the funding model for Native American nonprofits, providing them with the financial freedom to expand and prioritize based on their own community expertise. Free from the typical restrictions, organizations like the Institute of American Indian Arts have forged innovative partnerships with major corporations like Nike and NBCUniversal, while also launching critical community-based initiatives. Scott’s trust-based approach offers a blueprint for both for-profit and nonprofit funders seeking to make a long-term impact on historically marginalized communities.

 Why This Is an Important Read

When viewed through the lens of historically underrepresented workers, this article highlights how unrestricted funding empowers grassroots organizations to focus on solving real problems identified by the communities themselves, rather than conforming to the agendas of predominantly white-run funding groups.

• Read more from Maria Di Mento at the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

• Read Darein Burton’s Perspectives on Leadership article on LinkedIn for important actionable insights.

Insights Roundup

• Navigating Legal Hurdles to Fund Black-Owned Businesses: As legal challenges target DEI-rooted initiatives, there are still actionable ways to support Black-owned businesses without violating recent court rulings. This article outlines effective strategies like special purpose credit programs (SPCPs), community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and crowdfunding. By seeking out and leveraging these proven funding models, entrepreneurs and investors can help close racial wealth gaps while complying with legal standards. Now is the time to explore these innovative, community-driven approaches to ensure Black entrepreneurs continue to thrive. Read more from Hannah Stephens and Andre M. Perry at Brookings.

• Denver’s Migrant Program Tackles Workforce Integration: Denver’s innovative asylum-seeker program provides housing, legal aid, food support, and workforce training to help migrants secure employment as soon as they are legally able to work. Though not cheap, the program aims to reduce costs tied to homelessness and emergency services while boosting local economies. By investing in migrants’ wholistically, the city is providing evidence that migrants continue to create long-term economic benefits. Read more from Anita Alves Pena at Route Fifty.

• Strategic Succession Planning for Sustainable Leadership: Mary Connor details her framework for a successful leadership transition at Soccer Without Borders, highlighting the critical need for preparing the leader, board, and organization. Her experience shows how building structures like fair compensation and shared leadership responsibilities ensures a stable transition. This planning is essential for bringing diverse candidates into the leadership pipeline, allowing for long-term success and equitable leadership opportunities. Read more from Mary Connor at SSIR.

Voices of Empowerment

Success for everyone: Get inspired by the achievements of everyday underrepresented Americans and find your own path to success.

Patel Brothers Go From Humble Beginnings to a Community Icons

Patel Brothers, the iconic South Asian grocery chain, celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of empowering immigrant communities across the U.S. Started by two brothers in a small Chicago store, Patel Brothers has grown into a nationwide network of 52 locations, offering more than just groceries—it provides a “taste of home” and fosters deep community connections. Their success story, rooted in family and hard work, is a powerful example of how immigrants can build lasting legacies while empowering their communities.

Read more from S. Mitra Kalita at URL Media.

Empowerment Roundup

• 63 Hispanic and Latino Leaders Transforming Healthcare: Becker’s Healthcare recognizes 63 Hispanic and Latino leaders who are shaping the future of healthcare through their dedication to equity and inclusion. These leaders are driving transformative change by addressing health disparities, advancing DEI initiatives, and creating culturally competent care. Their inspiring leadership proves the importance of diverse voices in building a more equitable healthcare system. Learn how they’re empowering underrepresented communities and making a lasting impact. Read more from Anna Falvey at Becker's Healthcare.

• Resilience in the Face of Far-right Anti-DEI in North Carolina: As we’ve reported in the past, the North Carolina far-right legislators have cut funding for any DEI programming a public colleges in the state. Despite this DEI defunding, UNC Assistant Professor Lisa Calvente remains committed to promoting diversity through her work in Performance Studies and programs like the Student Learning to Advance Truth and Equity (SLATE). Calvente’s courses focus on systemic inequities and the complexities of history, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in education. Meanwhile, student leaders like Sophia Vona and Emma Culley are also feeling the impact as they try to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, particularly those of color, despite the loss of institutional support.

  • Read more about Lisa from Mollie Ray at The Daily Tar Heel.

  • Read more about Sophia and Emma from Michael Singleton at The Daily Tar Heel.

Community Connection

Explore events and networks that empower underrepresented professionals with support and crucial career-advancing opportunities.

First Asian American BookCon Connects Community Through Literature

The first-ever Asian American BookCon will take place in Brooklyn on Friday, September 27, from 12-6 PM at Hana House, offering a platform for 40 Asian American authors, publishers, and nonprofits to celebrate and uplift diverse voices in literature. The event, held alongside the Brooklyn Book Festival, is free and open to the public, creating a community-building space for Asian American readers and writers to connect.

Read more from Randall at AsAmNews.

One More Connection

• Chase's New Union Market Branch Bridges the Gap for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Customers:  chase Bank’s new Union Market branch in Washington, D.C., is making waves with its commitment to serving the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Featuring ASL-fluent staff and video interpretation services, this initiative highlights Chase’s dedication to breaking down barriers and offering inclusive financial services. Located near Gallaudet University, the branch ensures that customers with hearing difficulties have equal access to banking. Read more from Redacción at El Tiempo Latino. *This article is in Spanish

Cultural Highlights

Celebrate diverse voices and cultural contributions in art, literature, music, and media and be a multicultural smarty pants. 😊

Latinx History Made at the 76th Annual Emmy Awards

This year’s Emmy Awards brought some long-overdue recognition for Latinx creators, with Liza Colón-Zayas making history as the first Latina to win Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. The night was filled with powerful messages of inclusion, as Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, and John Leguizamo used their platforms to call for better representation of Latinx communities in Hollywood.

Read more from Lauren Salerno at The Mary Sue.

Culture Roundup

• Isabel Allende Barbie Celebrates Storytelling and Empowerment: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mattel has introduced a Barbie doll inspired by Chilean-American author Isabel Allende. As part of the Inspiring Women series, this Barbie highlights Allende’s contributions to literature and social advocacy. Allende hopes to inspire young girls to dream big and understand the power of their own stories. Part of the proceeds from the Barbie doll go to nonprofit Girls Write Now. Read more from Yamily Habib at Fierce by mitú.

• Redbird and the Robot Blends Cherokee Culture and AI: In Redbird and the Robot, Cherokee filmmaker Joseph Erb creates a unique fusion of Indigenous culture and artificial intelligence. Shot entirely in the Cherokee language, the film tells the story of an elder, played by Wes Studi, who teaches an AI robot about Indigenous values. As the robot learns, it begins to adopt a more sustainable, anti-colonial perspective. This film showcases how Indigenous knowledge can transform modern technology, while celebrating Cherokee culture through humor and tradition. Read more from Lindsey Bark at ICTNews.

Cultural Closer

Honoring Jackie Shane—Trans Soul Singers’ Legacy Lives On

Jackie Shane, a trailblazing trans soul singer, is being honored with a historical marker in Nashville, celebrating her impact on music and LGBTQ+ history. Known for pioneering the Toronto Sound in the 1950s and 60s, Shane courageously lived openly as a transgender woman, breaking barriers during a time of intense social oppression. This marker, a product of community collaboration, ensures Shane’s story continues to inspire Black and transgender communities with her message of authenticity, resilience, and empowerment.

Read more from Ryan Adamczeski at The Advocate.