| Today, in 2025, we see a societal disruption to equality and inclusivity, with some promoting false narratives about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some even believe we should not celebrate Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Pride Month, Women’s History Month, AAPI Month, and other commemorative months. These observances recognize the histories, contributions, and resilience of communities that have long been and continue to be underrepresented. For an accurate measure of inclusivity in America, one must look no further than the underrepresentation at the senior executive and board level at corporations and large institutions. We are still marginalized, not because of a lack of merit or qualifications. It is because of one thing and one thing only: bias!
The fight for equity is far from over, and now is not the time to retreat from progress but to double down on meaningful action. February is a reminder of this ongoing work. It is Black History Month when we recognize the history of the Black community in America, including the unfortunate history of racism as well as triumphs and achievements. While our country has made progress, deep disparities persist. February is also Dominican Heritage Month, when we recognize the culture, history, and contributions of millions of Dominicans to our American society. As a Dominican-American Afro-Latino, this month is a double blessing. In 2014, when I was named the President & CEO of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), I became the nation’s first-ever Afro-Latino CEO of any national Hispanic organization in U.S. history. Today, I am one of only two Afro-Latino nonprofit CEOs leading Hispanic organizations. In the history of Corporate America, there have only been two Afro-Latino CEOs who have led multi-billion-dollar companies! Despite that there are over six million Afro-Latinos in the U.S., we continue to be significantly underrepresented in Corporate America and at major institutions. Black History is American history. It is history that must continue to be articulated to all Americans so that past injustices are never repeated. The same applies to the histories of other marginalized groups, including Latinos, Indigenous people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, Asian Americans, people with disabilities, and others. This is why diversity, equity, and inclusion remain essential in Corporate America and across society. All of us, as allies in the inclusion movement, must continue to elevate, advocate, and advance our message that our race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or diverse abilities should never be a reason to deny or suppress opportunities for qualified candidates. You are movement leaders through your everyday work, and your voices foster a culture of inclusivity. While the current political headwinds against diversity, equity, and inclusion grow, let us continue our forward path toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society, especially given the growing diversity of our population and our economic contributions. We are fueling the growth of the American economy. When an airplane flies east to west in the Northern Hemisphere, it does so despite headwinds blowing in the opposite direction, a phenomenon known as the jet stream. HACR will continue to move forward in our mission of advancing Hispanic inclusion in Corporate America, even when doing so means flying against the jet stream. We are determined to arrive at our destination of a Corporate America that is fully inclusive in the areas of employment, procurement, philanthropy, and governance. So, let February be a reminder that we stand on the shoulders of giants daily in the movement for equality and inclusivity. This is not a time to slow down, back down, and certainly not a time to turn around. In moments like these, it is a time to double down on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thank you for your support. The inclusion movement continues, and headwinds will not turn us around! |
| Cid Wilson
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