by Jameelah Mullen

October 9, 2025

Ageless Style: Detroit Seniors Slay The Runway For A Worthy Cause

These golden years are meant for thriving.

Metro Detroit seniors proved style has no age limit at the Senior Solutions Annual Fashion Gala. The Oct. 8 event was sponsored by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services to local seniors.

The event served multiple purposes: to help senior citizens develop and maintain social connections with one another and to raise funds for the organization.

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“The goal of our GALA is to celebrate older adults and healthy aging. Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) will acknowledge their lives, lived, experiences, and things that bring them joy,” the organization notes on its website.

One model featured in the sold-out show was Randy “Big Randy” Henry, a retired WDIV Detroit news reporter who reminded audiences that the elder models “still got it.”

“We had the young phase, we was buck wild. We had the work phase, family, and kids. Now this is our time,” the 70-year-old told WXYZ News.

Held in the Michigan Central Station ballroom, the event showcased several models aged 65 or older, demonstrating their fashion sense in one of the most stylish cities in the country.

Show guest Sheryl Johnson-Fambro noted that society often overlooks the older generations. The fashion show is a way for society to challenge stereotypes and recognize the beauty and contributions of older adults.

“We are trying to combat the stereotype that somehow aging is a miserable thing to do. It is a wonderful thing to do. It’s healthy, it’s a blessing,” DAAA board member Tiffany Gunter told WXYZ News.

Established in 1980, The DAAA provides resources such as healthcare, meal services, fitness classes, and information services to seniors and adults living with disabilities, as well as support for caregivers.

The organization states that it aims to “Remove the social, economic, physical, and psychological barriers” to promote independence and accessibility for the elderly and vulnerable citizens living in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica, school, son, race, winner

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 9, 2025

Famed Jamaican Runner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Retires As Most Decorated 100M Sprinter In History

Fraser-Pryce has won eight Olympic medals through her years-long career.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, known as the most decorated 100 m sprinter in track and field, has officially announced her retirement.

The eight-time Olympic medallist made history not only for her talents on the track, but also for her vibrant showcase of her personality. With her colorful hair flowing behind her, often representing the colors of her native country, the Jamaican runner has confirmed suspicions that she has taken her final lap.

The athlete and mother has made her hometown of Waterhouse in Kingston, Jamaica, proud, while noting every “millisecond” of her successful career. She posted her farewell statement on Instagram.

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A post shared by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (@realshellyannfp)

“For the past 18 years, time down to the very millisecond, has been at the epicenter of my life,” she began as she reflected on her past 275 races. “For nearly two decades, I have made every second count, and I give God all the glory for blessing me with a career in something I have grown to love so deeply.”

She continued, “This sport has given me joy beyond measure. It has shaped me, disciplined me, and carried me to heights I could only dream of as a young girl in Waterhouse. Yet as I reflect, I no longer see time only in seconds—I see it in years. The years I gave to sprinting will forever remain among the greatest of my life.”

She then thanked her family for supporting her, including her husband, Jason, and son, Zyon, for their entrance into her life at “God’s perfect timing.”

The 38-year-old has competed in four Olympic Games, beginning her career in 2008 during the Beijing events. There, she became the first Caribbean woman to win gold in the 100m. According to NBC Sports, the win shocked fans while making her a notable name in the sport.

From then on, the 100m race became her signature event, earning another gold medal in the 2012 London Games. With a bronze and silver win at two subsequent Olympics, Fraser-Pryce solidified herself as the most decorated sprinter in the event’s history.

Standing at five feet, the proclaimed “pocket rocket” has garnered international acclaim in sprinting and among Caribbean athletes. She also emphasized her love for her people and the ability to champion them on a global stage.

“I am a proud daughter of the soil, and I owe an eternal debt of gratitude to Jamaica,” she added. ” To my fellow Jamaicans—thank you for your unyielding love, loyalty, and pride that have propelled me year after year. It has been the greatest honor to carry our flag across the world. We may be small, but we are mighty, and I am humbled to have represented the strength of our nation with passion on the global stage.”

Now, the notable sprinter leaves the competition to continue working on her Pocket Rocket Foundation. The philanthropic endeavor provides scholarships to student-athletes striving for gold, just as she has.

“From Waterhouse to the world, every second has been for something greater,” concluded Fraser-Pryce. ” And as I pass the baton to the next generation, let this be your reminder that time will honor your greatness.”

R&B Legend Sybil To Celebrate Her Aggie Pride at HBCU Homecoming Parade

by Jameelah Mullen

October 9, 2025

R&B Legend Sybil To Celebrate Her Aggie Pride at HBCU Homecoming Parade

The songstress is coming home.

At North Carolina A&T State University’s 2025 Homecoming, alumna and singer Sybil Lynch, better known as Sybil, will serve as the grand marshal for the event parade.

During its 99th annual homecoming celebration on Oct 11, Sybil will lead the procession, which will start at 8 a.m., ahead of the football game where they will face off against South Carolina State University.

The Paterson, New Jersey, native began pursuing her music career while attending the renowned HBCU, which boasts the “Greatest Homecoming on Earth.’ She graduated from the university in 1985, where she was crowned Miss A&T in her senior year.

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The singer burst onto the R&B scene in the late 1980s with hits like “Falling In Love” and “When I’m Good And Ready,” which made their way to the charts in both the United States and the UK. She set the music world on fire with her dance cover of Dionne Warwick’s “Don’t Make Me Over.” The artist breathed new life into the song, introducing it to a new generation. The classic reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. With countless remixes, the song remains a cult classic on the house music scene.

Lynch also collaborated with hip-hop icons Salt-N-Pepa on their 1990 hit, “Independent.” The singer achieved success in the UK through her collaboration with producers Stock, Aitken & Waterman, with a cover of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’ “You’re the Love of My Life” / “The Love I Lost,” which reached No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 18 on the Billboard Maxi-Singles Sales.

Currently, the R&B and house music legend is a college advancement officer at Guilford Technical Community College in North Carolina. She continues to perform worldwide. In 2024, Lynch released “Cheers,” a duet with singer Trarius. In August, her hometown honored her with Sybil Lynch Way, a street named in her honor.

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For more information about the parade and other homecoming festivities, visit North Carolina A&T State University’s website.

Governor Wes Moore extends pardons in Maryland.

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 9, 2025

Wes Moore Looks Out For Employees Affected By Government Shutdown With New Loan Program

The program offers a one-time, no-interest loan in the amount of $700 to help workers keep up with their expenses, however, the loan is required to be repaid after the shutdown ends.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is making the federal employees affected by the 2025 government shutdown a top priority by establishing a Federal Shutdown Loan Program through the Department of Labor, Fox 45 News reported.

As Moore refers to the shutdown — now in its eighth day — as “a time when the federal government is stepping back from its most basic obligations,” the governor said “Maryland is stepping up to protect our people” with a program that will provide financial resources to state residents defined as “excepted” federal employees. Federal employees under that statute are required to keep working during the shutdown without getting a pay check.

Moore says the program will help keep public servants above water. “The emergency support we announce today will keep public servants afloat as we enter a second week of this shutdown. But no state can continue to fill the massive gap created by Washington,” the governor said.

“The president must come to the negotiating table in good faith and close a deal to open the government.”

The program offers a one-time, no-interest loan in the amount of $700 to help workers keep up with their expenses; however, the loan is required to be repaid after the shutdown ends. One additional ramification is that loans will only be issued if the shutdown continues past Oct. 15. Parts of the government have been shut down since Oct. 1 after Senate Democrats and Republicans, in collaboration with President Donald Trump, failed to come to an agreement on two key pieces of legislation.

A bill including government funding through October 2025 and an extension of healthcare subsidies on the federal level, scheduled to expire at the end of the year, was blocked in a vote by GOP members. Democratic leaders refused to sign a different bill supported by Republicans, approving a measure that would keep the government funded at current levels through Nov. 21.

Moore’s announcement comes at a time when President Donald Trump has whispered thoughts of not giving furloughed federal workers the back pay accrued during the government shutdown when they return to work. Federal law, which Trump signed after the 2019 shutdown, says furloughed employees “shall be paid for the period of the lapse in appropriations.” When asked by a reporter about back pay, Trump said, “I would say it depends on who we’re talking about.”

According to CBS News, eligible employees must be Maryland residents and “excepted” federal workers. Applicants will be required to provide proof of ID, Maryland residency, federal employment status, and “excepted” status. Following application submission, the Comptroller’s Office will process requests, and the Treasurer’s Office will start the process of mailing the first batch of loan payments Oct. 16.

Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan, Hoagies, Franchise

by Kandiss Edwards

October 9, 2025

Calling All Entrepreneurs: Slutty Vegan Is Franchising

Cole Hayes was able to regain ownership and operational control in March.

Aisha “Pinky” Cole Hayes is offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to open a Slutty Vegan.

According to Franchise Times, single unit startup costs for a franchise are estimated between $555,900 and $1,166,500. Multi-unit startups are estimated between $587,900 to $1,201,500. A food truck is available, but it must be paired with a physical restaurant. That costs between $255,750 to $312,000.

Cole Hayes lost operational control of the Slutty Vegan due to financial distress and mismanagement, but then regained ownership and operational control in March under the entity “Ain’t Nobody Coming to See You, Otis LLC.” Since then, Cole Hayes has been on a mission to restructure the brand into a more sustainable model.

“I went to restructure on Feb. 13, 2025, and then I repurchased the company on March 28, 2025. We’re in September, and I’m about to announce franchising,” Cole Hayes told Franchise Times. “I really want to show other entrepreneurs that even though it’s hard, you can redeem yourself.”

Slutty Vegan once operated as many as 18 locations before the restructuring. After reacquisition, Cole closed multiple sites. Now, there are only six operational Slutty Vegans nationwide. Cole Hayes admitted to Franchise Times that the initial success of the brand caused her to expand too quickly and that her choices for personnel did not align as the business began to scale up.

“We grew really, really fast. But I don’t necessarily believe that we had the right people,” she said.

Pinky Cole becomes the first Black woman to franchise a vegan restaurant brand. Former Planet Fitness & 7-Eleven exec Shawntel Daniels has been hired as franchise president for Cole's Slutty Vegan franchise program. #pinkycole pic.twitter.com/0L8ZXZNguI
— Belladonna (@CoconutsRaining) October 3, 2025

Shawntel Daniels, president of Slutty Vegan’s franchise division, told AfroTech new franchisees must have experience in the food industry and a proven record in entrepreneurship.

“What I want to focus on is making sure that these are people that are true entrepreneurs, that have some restaurant background, that understand food and it’s not just someone that’s really excited about being a part of the brand,” Daniels said.

Cole’s plan reverses her earlier hesitation toward franchising. But she now sees it as essential for scaling Slutty Vegan on her terms. She said the chapter of loss and rebuilding allows her to redefine its foundation.

For more information on becoming a Slutty Vegan franchisee visit the official website.

by Kandiss Edwards

October 9, 2025

Kiyomi Rollins Talks Gentrification and Ke’nekting Community

Rollins transformed a vacant building into a hub for small business

When gentrification forced her natural hair salon out of its home in Southwest Atlanta, Kiyomi Rollins turned displacement into determination. She founded The Ke’nekt Cooperative, transforming a vacant building into a bustling hub for more than 150 Black-owned businesses, creatives, and neighbors. Now, Rollins is raising millions to buy land and build a 20,000-square-foot eco-resilient campus.

Rollins envisions the new Ke’nekt Cooperative campus as a “warm hug” figuratively and literally. The “Black-liberated third space” is designed to wrap a community in its arms, providing lifesaving resources and community connection. Rollins sat with BLACK ENTERPRISE to talk about the Ke’nekt’s inception and future. She is determined to ensure that the community not only survives but thrives.

What does that term “Black-liberated third space” mean to you, and how does it shape the cooperative’s identity?

The fifth or seventh time I heard a white man reference a third space, it felt very Christopher Columbus. We already had these spaces. A third space is simply where the community gathers to exchange ideas.

For us, that has always been the barber shop, nail salon, the park where the brothers are playing ball, the church steps where your mom and dad are talking an hour after service. The Ke’nekt celebrates that tradition. We’ve created a beautiful, intergenerational space where our culture is reinforced and taught. Every first Friday we host Senior Connections, where young folks help elders with digital support. Walking into The Ke’nekt is like walking into a space that reminds you to speak, to connect, to be seen.

How did the Good Hair Shop’s eviction transform into launching The Ke’nekt Cooperative?

The Ke’nekt is absolutely a trauma response. As a Black woman entrepreneur, I didn’t have the luxury to pause. I had to figure out how to feed my family. I found a vacant building. Instead of just moving my salon there, I made a commitment to bring multiple businesses into the space. People brought furniture, tables and chairs. We raised $75,000 and built it out.

How does The Ke’nekt gather and distribute resources to small businesses?

We are about to launch the third round of our microfinance cooperative, deploying $250,000 to about 20 Black-owned businesses. In the first round, we modeled it after a traditional susu — where a group pools money and one person gets the pot each month — but with corporate partner-matching funds so the payout was larger.

We’ve grown from microgrants to microloans with very easy terms — 2% interest, six-month deferment, and built-in technical assistance.

Tell us about your “One Acre for Change” campaign which aims to raise $2.4 million for land acquisition and $5 million for construction?

We are full in this building — we’ve outgrown it. The only thing that truly matters at the end of the day is land. We don’t own The Ke’nekt. This campaign is about building permanence.

Our plans include 10 affordable commercial units, workforce housing, a performing arts space, a gym, and hopefully a clinic on-site. This is also about environmental justice. Our neighborhood is a heat index. This campus will have green infrastructure and create workforce opportunities in sustainability for young people.

What is your hope for The Ke’nekt Cooperative and its future?

Ownership. Permanence. A model that other communities can replicate. Our deck and plans are public because we want others to learn from us and build their own eco-resilient commercial districts.

As The Ke’nekt enters its next phase, its mission extends beyond southwest Atlanta. The cooperative is positioning itself as a model for community-driven development nationwide, a blueprint for Black neighborhoods to own land, protect culture, and shape their futures on their own terms.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 9, 2025

Chandler Moore Sues Former Manager And Officially Quits Maverick City Music

Chandler Moore has quit Maverick City Music and sued his former manager over alleged fraud.

Big changes are coming to the Grammy-winning gospel group Maverick City Music, after two members quit, with one suing the group’s CEO over alleged fraud.

On Oct. 6, Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine announced their departures from Maverick City Music, sharing plans for new chapters in their music careers.

“These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters… in my life and in my career,” Moore wrote on Instagram. “It’s been scary at times, but it’s also been full of fresh vision and real excitement about the future. With that, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to end my relationship with Maverick City Music.”

“The dream hasn’t changed,” he added. “I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.”

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However, shortly after the announcements, it was revealed that Moore filed a lawsuit against his former manager and Maverick City Music CEO, Norman Gyamfi, accusing him of defrauding him out of millions in royalties and business deals, Relevant Magazine reported.

According to the lawsuit, Moore, a key founding member of Maverick City Music, alleges that Gyamfi’s misconduct cost him “millions of dollars in royalties and other monies.” The suit claims Gyamfi “exploited his fiduciary relationship” with Moore and used “alter ego entities” — including TRIBL Publishing, TRIBL Records, and Maverick City Music — to enrich himself at Moore’s expense.

Gyamfi is also accused of forging Moore’s signature on contracts, diverting owed funds, and transferring ownership of Moore’s songs without consent. The lawsuit levels multiple allegations against Gyamfi over his growing ownership stake in Maverick City Music after initially starting as Moore’s manager.

Moore claims Gyamfi managed him from 2020 to 2023, during which he quietly acquired a stake in the group without Moore’s knowledge and allegedly “secretly transferred” Moore’s ownership and copyright interests in his music to the collective. In 2021, Gyamfi is said to have brokered a deal selling Moore’s master recordings to Orchard Enterprises, a Sony Music subsidiary, without Moore’s consent.

After ending his role as Moore’s manager, Gyamfi became CEO of Maverick City Music. Moore alleges Gyamfi then instructed Essential Music Publishing (Sony’s Christian music division) to redirect publishing revenue from Moore’s work to TRIBL and Maverick City instead of Moore himself. When Essential requested documentation, Gyamfi allegedly produced a forged agreement assigning 50% of Moore’s rights to Maverick City Music and granting the company “irrevocable power of attorney” to act on Moore’s behalf.

The suit also references a 2024 production deal between Moore and TRIBL, under which Moore agreed to deliver an album, 40 tour dates, and 12 new compositions in exchange for $1.75 million in advances and a 15% ownership stake in Maverick City Music. Moore says he fulfilled his obligations but has yet to receive accurate royalty statements or full payment. Now, he’s out of the group and suing his former manager.”

“Defendants’ unlawful, fraudulent and unconscionable business practices have tainted every agreement between plaintiffs and defendants,” the suit states.

Raine hasn’t filed a lawsuit following her departure from the group, but shared a similar sentiment to Moore on Instagram when announcing her exit, telling her fans it was time for a new chapter.

”Still writing. Still singing. Still worshiping and leading others in worship—just on my own,” she wrote. “This isn’t really an ending, but a new beginning. A new chapter. I’m excited about the music, the ministry, and the purpose ahead. God’s not done yet.”

Wig shop, wigs, Beauty Supply institute, Devin Robinson, Georgia, Maryland

by Kandiss Edwards

October 9, 2025

Fraud Alert: The Beauty Supply Institute Accused Of Running Scam Against Black Women In Georgia And Maryland

Beauty Supply Institute reached an agreement with the Georgia Attorney General's Office after allegedly exploiting hundreds of entrepreneurs.

The Georgia Attorney General’s Office has ordered the Beauty Supply Institute to close or face a $2.2 million fine.

Beauty Supply Institute reached an agreement after allegedly exploiting hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs, many of them Black women. The order follows a months-long investigation into the firm’s business training programs and marketing claims by 11Alive.

“According to Fulton County court records, the state entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance agreement with Beauty Supply Institute and its founder Devin Robinson,” the news outlet reports. “It orders the company, along with another associated company under the name Derobis Enterprises, and Robinson individually to stop doing business in Georgia.”

The company promotes itself as a pathway for opening independently-owned beauty supply stores. It allegedly charged thousands of dollars in coaching and consulting fees and not delivering the promised resources. Investigators said clients were left with little more than generic business materials and mounting debt.

In a statement, the attorney general’s office said its review found “a pattern of deceptive advertising and unfair business practices” under Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act.

Regulators said BSI’s promotional materials overstated the success rate of its students and falsely implied endorsement from major beauty brands.

Robinson has denied wrongdoing. In a previous interview with 11Alive, Robinson argued that some clients misunderstood the scope of the program.

“We give people the knowledge and the steps. It’s up to them to follow through,” he said.

Consumer protection attorney Jasmine Carter told 11Alive that cases like this one “prey on people’s dreams. They promise empowerment, but what many get is debt and disappointment.”

If Robinson fails to comply with any part of the agreement, which bars him from advertising, offering, or selling any product or service in Georgia, he will have to pay financial penalty immediately.

The Attorney General’s Office also confirmed that former clients may be eligible for restitution if the court upholds the violations.

In 2024, the Maryland Security Commission filed a cease and desist order against BSI for identical actions detailed in the Georgia case.

The Beauty Supply Institute has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Victims must now seek restitution through civil court. The Beauty Supply Institute’s official website remains active and online.

Misty Copeland, Black Ballerinas, Trauma, American Ballet Theatre

by Kandiss Edwards

October 9, 2025

Misty Copeland Will Take Final Bow At The 2025 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala

The performance is being marketed as a “once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Misty Copeland will perform with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) for the final time on Oct. 22.

Copeland’s farewell night will be held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The performance will include tributes, speeches, and dance honoring her artistic legacy and impact on the institution. Additionally, Copeland announced via X that a simulcast of her performance would allow fans the opportunity to join in her celebratory final bow. The simulcast will take place at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, with tickets available on the day of the event.

In a statement, the ABT announced the end of Copeland’s 25-year tenure. The performance will take place at the ABT’s Fall Gala and is being marketed as a “once-in-a-lifetime event.”

“I could never have imagined the life ballet would give me,” Copeland said in the statement. “To dance on the world’s greatest stages, with artists I admire so deeply, has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. My time with ABT has shaped me not just as a dancer, but as a person, and given me the platform to reach back and make space for others. This moment isn’t a farewell, it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together, and a step toward all the work that’s still ahead.”

Misty Copeland’s farewell with ABT will be simulcast FREE at Alice Tully Hall on **Oct 22 at 6:00 PM**. Tickets available day-of starting at 4:00 PM, limit 2 per person. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. #MistyCopeland #AmericanBalletTheatre #LincolnCenter pic.twitter.com/jjkj9Ynbzo
— American Ballet Theatre (@ABTBallet) October 8, 2025

Beyond performance, Copeland is already working towards defining her post-stage career. She is also growing her production company, Life in Motion Production. Furthermore, Copeland is promoting her new children’s book, Bunheads: Act 2.

“These characters reflect the world I want every child to see in a ballet studio, diverse, supportive, and full of possibility,” she told Ebony.

The ABT spoke highly of Copeland’s work and legacy. Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of ABT, called the ballerina a “once in a generation” talent. She also emphasized Copeland’s significance beyond the stage.

“Her legacy at ABT is profound—not only through the roles she’s redefined but also through the lives she’s inspired. Misty’s advocacy for inclusion, equity, and education ensures her impact will resonate far beyond this moment,” Jaffe said.

Copeland’s farewell is not just a performance; it’s the summation of a career that broke barriers, inspired young dancers of color, and changed how ballet is perceived by its audience and its artists. Some of Copeland’s career-defining roles include her depiction of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and the title role in Firebird.

by Jeffrey McKinney

October 9, 2025

Beyond Diversity: Black Voters Push For Childcare And Salary Transparency In Next DEI Wave

More networking opportunities ranked as the No. 1 request from Black women for DEI reform.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not entirely dead and buried for Black voters, despite attacks by President Donald Trump to end those programs.

New research shows that they want transparency in hiring, programs to improve accessibility for people with and without disabilities, and employer-paid emergency childcare among the top future reforms in the nation’s workplace tied to DEI.

The fresh findings stem from a survey of just over 3,000 registered voters, including 12% who are Black, by Bellwether Research and Consulting. Bellwether and Hart Research conducted 10 focus groups with diverse populations before the national survey to get their views.

The analysis comes as Trump has called for the dismantling of DEI programs in the federal government and ordered federal agencies to compile lists of private companies that might be investigated for their DEI practices. As such, Black federal workers and those employed by private firms could become unemployed.

While many businesses and others continue to support DEI efforts, those actions this year have faced a rise in political resistance, legal obstacles, and public distrust. And spats have reportedly emerged on matters like fairness, merit, and identity.

The latest report aims to gain deeper insights into attitudes around DEI, understand how voters from different demographics view DEI, and determine the best way for the private and public sectors to apply those practices in the future.

Christine Matthews, president of Bellwether Research and Consulting, provided commentary on Black voters’ responses by email to BLACK ENTERPRISE after serving as the report’s lead researcher.

She says the desire for transparency in pay and for programs to improve accessibility were among the top choices for most voters, not just Black voters. For employer-paid emergency childcare, both Black men and Black women prioritize it, while, conversely, white voters consider it a higher priority for women.

Matthews declared that an exciting finding is that the No. 1 request for Black women was “more networking opportunities, especially for people who do not come from privileged backgrounds.” It was their top choice among that group at 40%. It didn’t show up among Black voters overall, as Black men rated it lower at 27%.

“Black women rated this option higher than any other cohort in the survey.”

The report offered many recommendations tied to suggested future DEI practices. Among them: “Allies should lean in and push back on Trump’s DEI attacks. Right now, what voters are hearing isn’t balanced — it’s mostly anti-DEI.” It added the most egregious examples, including “cutting federal research on women’s health and pressuring private companies to drop DEI.”

It proposes challenging DEI myths about who benefits as well as merit. Refuting the practice solely on the basis of race or gender undermines standards. It suggests redefining who benefits from the procedure and emphasizing DEI specifies equal opportunity to compete based on skills.

So, what are the next potential steps to take DEI to another level based on the survey findings? A spokesman for NxtLevel, a DEI advocacy organization that funded the report, shared its intentions on how the research will be utilized.

“Over the course of the next few weeks and months, NxtLevel is going to be briefing stakeholders and executives across different sectors– corporations, non-profits, activists, influencers, and others so that they can fully understand where the American people truly stand on equal opportunity programs and can use this data in ways that complement their existing efforts.”