I don’t even know where to begin. In just a few weeks, our federal government seems to have been turned upside down. Immediately after being sworn in, former President Trump began making changes to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from government departments. Many corporations have followed suit.
These changes were outlined in Project 2025, but many people did not want to believe it. As we kick off Black History Month, Trump instructed the U.S. Air Force to remove materials on the contributions of Black and female pilots during World War II from its training program. This includes the history of the beloved Tuskegee Airmen.
He also signed an executive order banning DEI programs in the federal government. He told the American people exactly what he planned to do during his campaign, so none of this should come as a surprise. This is just the beginning.
When Trump dismantled DEI departments across the government, it hit home for us personally. Not only have I been trained in DEI, but my husband is one of the leading DEI trainers globally. This has impacted our work, which we believe is crucial for making our country and the world more equitable and a better place to live for everyone.
I’ve also heard that the president wants to eliminate anything that contradicts his beliefs. He said he wants government positions to be based on merit only. But does he mean merit or simply loyalty to him? The resurgence of the good old boy network is evident. Are the people he’s currently appointing to various positions truly qualified based on merit?
I recently read that Trump wants to remake the federal bureaucracy within his first 100 days. He is dismissing departments and releasing inspectors general from various agencies that he feels do not align with his philosophy. It feels like he’s trying to take America back to a time when many people had no rights, including minorities and women.
Why is there so much hatred evolving during this time? Why are people becoming fearful and distrustful of each other? The problem is that the playing field still isn’t equal. Power and money are still largely controlled by white men. How far will this administration try to take things back?
When people say “Make America Great Again” or “Take America Back,” what does that really mean? Back to when and where? Couldn’t we aim to make America great by embracing the diversity of the people who built this country, starting from its origin as a nation of immigrants? This administration seems intent on eliminating immigrants who don’t look like him.
I am proud to be an American. I have friends and family who have served in the armed forces for generations. We all cherish the flag. However, it has become difficult to distinguish between our enemies and detractors—whether foreign or domestic. The meaning of loving and defending one’s country feels different now, almost unrecognizable.
Still, I refuse to stop believing in the hope that America holds for all of us. I believe we will rise and become the great country we were meant to be, but that depends on each of us doing our part.
This is not the first time we’ve had to fight for our rights. As Maya Angelou said, “Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience.”
How far are we willing to let this behavior and mindset continue?
Healing Without Hate: It’s a Choice. It’s a Lifestyle. Pass It On.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy Gladney is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
