An image from "Unity in Action" Credit: Yolanda Stewart | Central Current

Syracuse community members are pushing back against nationwide efforts to repeal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

Since Jan. 20, the federal government and corporations like Target have announced plans to abandon DEI efforts. On Saturday, a group of Syracuse residents rallied to address what it means to them and developed strategies for fostering economic support in Syracuse. 

Victoria Coit and Indaria Jones organized their first  “Unity in Action” event, a community engagement forum where residents can voice their frustrations on the latest federal and corporate decisions to cancel programs and policies centered on equity.

“We just wanted to create a space where people can have conversation, be in community [and] gather,” Coit said.

Over the weekend,  Jones and Coit spoke to a room of more than 40 community members in OnaJava Coffee and Soul Cafe at 1551 South Salina St. The group intermingled and exchanged ideas regarding three main topics: business, policy, and awareness. In each group, they shared concerns and spoke about the solutions they wanted to implement in response to the deprioritization of inclusionary practices. 

Both organizers believed the portrayal of DEI led to widespread misinformation. They wanted to carve out a space to educate community members while finding ways to build support during the aftermath of DEI changes.

“There is a huge push in the media to try to make this sort of a buzzword and redefine DEI as something that means that people of color, veterans, women, or disabled persons are not qualified for the positions that they have when it’s the opposite of that,” Jones said. “These folks are more than qualified, but, traditionally, haven’t had the opportunity to take advantage of certain things.” 

Jones expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s plan to freeze federal funding for nonprofits, essential programs, and social safety-net resources. This made her contemplate the potential trickle down effects on local healthcare accessibility and small businesses. 

“You have the larger problem of constant chaos and what that caused to business owners and people in general, which is worry [and] fear,” Jones said. “Even if they’re not affected yet, they are still being affected.”

Local business owner Fitzroy Hendricks of Ultimate Trimmers, has lived in Syracuse for 20 years. He attended the event to gain a well-rounded understanding of DEI and to hear some of the concerts his neighbors share. 

“It’s great to see us come together and discuss things,” Hendricks said. “But, what I don’t want us to do is just come together and talk, we need to find a way to take some form of action.”

Kassandra Melendez, a Syracuse community member, attended the event because she believes that DEI initiatives support more than the BIPOC communities, but other groups, including disabled, queer, and other marginalized people. 

“This is important because this system was supposed to be set to protect us, and now that protection is gone. I also think it is important to note that DEI also disproportionately benefited white women,” Melendez said. “Having the conversation about that as well and holding folks accountable to build a better program to actually make this impactful for the intersectionality within that group that it’s supposed to benefit and help.”

Through community activism. Melendez hopes to see increased representation, less discriminatory practices in hiring, inclusivity training, and support for shopping locally.

Jones and Coit intend to host more group meetings in the coming weeks to offer a safe space where community members can share information and hold conversations on DEI-related matters.

“We are standing up, we’re showing up, we’re gathering, we’re educating each other,” Jones said.  “It’s really also on our local officials to stand with us.”

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Yolanda Stewart was raised in the Bronx, New York City. Before choosing a career path in journalism she found a voice in writing plays, short stories, and a myriad of other creative outlets. She is a 2022...