Corporate Hypocrisy? Businesses Celebrate Black History Month After Rescinding DEI Efforts
As February begins, businesses across the country are rolling out their Black History Month tributes- hosting events, sharing social media posts, and highlighting Black excellence. Yet, just weeks ago, many of these same corporations were quietly rolling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
It’s a glaring contradiction. Companies that once touted DEI as a commitment to workplace diversity and equitable opportunities have now reversed course, citing political pressures, economic downturns, or vague “strategic shifts”. Despite this, they are still eager to be seen celebrating Black history.
Of course, businesses have every right to honor Black contributions to America. The problem isn’t the celebration- it’s the lack of substance behind it. When a company rescinds DEI programs but still posts a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., what does that say? When they remove leadership roles focused on inclusion but release a video spotlighting Black employees for a month, what message are they really sending?
It’s performative. The same companies that benefited from public goodwill by embracing DEI in recent years are now retreating from those promises. Meanwhile, they continue using Black History Month as a marketing opportunity, hoping no one notices the contradiction.
Black History Month is not a PR strategy. It is a time for recognition, education, and accountability. If corporations want to celebrate, they should back it up- not just with words, but with policies and actions that ensure the contributions of Black employees, customers, and communities are valued year-round.
