Boom to Backlash

How the murder of George Floyd transformed the attitude towards and implementation of DEI across the world Boom to Backlash: George Floyd's Legacy on DEI as a Business Imperative examines the seismic shift in DEI initiatives following George Floyd's completely preventable death, exploring the initial surge of corporate commitments to DEI, the tangible progress and advancements made, and the subsequent backlash. Through data and case studies, as well as the unparalleled personal experiences of Black executive, global DEI expert, and author DK Bartley, this book illustrates how DEI has evolved from a fringe concept to a crucial element of business strategy, corporate success, and social progress. Some of the topics explored in this book include: The mischaracterization of DEI as “new” or “woke” by various platforms The real impact of DEI on a business's bottom line The future of DEI with respect to the current political climate and technology's role in implementation strategies Why George Floyd's murder was a catalyst for change By addressing these critical aspects of DEI within the context of recent historical events, Boom to Backlash engages with a growing audience of business and political leaders, social media influencers, HR professionals, and individuals who want to understand and implement effective DEI strategies in a post-2020 world.

Introduction: Beyond Black and White 1 Chapter 1 Breaking the Silence 5 Chapter 2 The Long Road to Change 23 Chapter 3 The Corporate Awakening 43 Chapter 4 Exponential Expansions 65 Chapter 5 The Backlash Begins 81 Chapter 6 Behind the Curtain—Corporate Evolution within the Backlash 99 Chapter 7 The Power of Courageous Conversations 115 Chapter 8 From Commitment to Action— A Practical Guide 137 Chapter 9 The Inevitable Future of Inclusion 165 Chapter 10 The Choice Ahead 181 Notes 187 Bibliography 211 Acknowledgments 249 About the Author 251 Index 253