A Word of Comfort and Joy for DEI Practitioners: The Work Is Not in Vain

Dear DEI Practitioner,

In the midst of these challenging times, when the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) feels under siege, let us pause to remember why we began this journey. You embarked on this path because you believe in the power of people, the possibility of transformation, and the unyielding promise of a more just world.

Though the road may feel long and the obstacles great, your efforts are not in vain.

The work of DEI is sacred. It is the labor of justice, equity, and humanity. It is the audacious act of sowing seeds of inclusion and fairness in a world that sometimes seems determined to reject them. Yet, even in the face of resistance, your work matters. The connections you foster, the voices you amplify, and the systems you challenge have a ripple effect that extends far beyond what you can see today.

When the world feels heavy, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a vast community of change agents, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to move society forward. Think of those who walked before us—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Bayard Rustin—who faced even greater odds and yet stood firm. Their courage echoes in you.

In times of doubt, remember that the work of DEI is as much about joy as it is about struggle. It is about creating spaces where people feel they belong, where they can thrive, and where their differences are celebrated rather than diminished. Take pride in the lives you’ve touched, the breakthroughs you’ve enabled, and the hope you’ve inspired.

Let joy be your anchor. Find it in the small victories—a policy changed, a conversation opened, a perspective shifted. Seek joy in the community you’ve built and the shared humanity you’ve nurtured. And when the weight of the work feels too much to bear, lean on your fellow practitioners. Just as Bill Withers sang, “We all need somebody to lean on.”

Remember, too, that the arc of the moral universe, though long, bends toward justice. You are part of that bending. Every challenge you face, every resistance you encounter, every setback you endure is a testament to your commitment to a cause larger than yourself. It is proof that your work is impactful, for those who push back the hardest often fear the change they know is inevitable.

As you continue, take moments for yourself. Rest, recharge, and remind yourself of the joy that led you to this work. Protect your spirit, for the world needs your passion, your brilliance, and your compassion now more than ever.

Though today may feel dark, remember this: another lovely day is on the horizon. A day when the fruits of your labor will blossom, and the world will be better for your efforts. Hold on to that promise. Let it guide you, comfort you, and fill you with hope.

You are seen. You are valued. You are needed. And most of all, you are not alone.

With gratitude and solidarity,

A Fellow Believer in the Power of Change

Effenus Henderson