It’s Not If We Move Forward, But How: Reinventing the Fight for Equity
The recent presidential election has left us grappling with a daunting question: How do we continue the work of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion when the odds feel so stacked against us?
The weight of what comes next feels heavier than ever. Black women—who have long been the backbone of movements for justice—are exhausted from serving a nation that continually resists being the inclusive democracy we know it can be.
The uncertainty of the path ahead can make it difficult to know where to begin.
We’re tired. We’re angry. We’re disillusioned.
At The Equity Lab, we feel it too. The frustration of watching progress so hard-won be threatened again and again is real. And yet, even in the face of all this uncertainty, one thing remains clear:
The work cannot stop.
What Happens If We Stop?
The urge to give up is understandable. But we must ask ourselves: What would happen if we stopped now? What would happen to our institutions, our communities, and the futures we’ve fought so hard for?
We don’t pose these questions lightly, because they linger in all of our minds. History shows us what happens when movements pause or falter: the end of Reconstruction allowed Jim Crow laws to flourish, the rollback of civil rights protections in the late 19th century erased gains made during that era, and the resistance following the 1960s Civil Rights Movement led to mass incarceration and voter suppression. More recently, the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision gutted key protections of the Voting Rights Act, enabling widespread voter suppression. Oppressive systems use silence and inaction to tighten their grip. If we don’t continue, who will?
The work has never been easy, and it feels especially heavy now. But we must remember: when systems push back hardest, it’s a sign of their fear. Our collective efforts are making an impact, and that’s why the resistance is so fierce.
Carrying the Load: A Legacy of Leadership
For generations, Black women have been at the forefront of change, carrying movements on their shoulders with little recognition or rest. Harriet Tubman led countless people to freedom on the Underground Railroad, even as she battled exhaustion and illness. Fannie Lou Hamer fought tirelessly for voting rights, enduring beatings, arrests, and relentless racism. Audre Lorde reminded us that caring for oneself is a radical act in a society that demands endless labor. This burden is both infuriating and heartbreaking.
How do we sustain the fight when we’re this tired? How do we move forward when the load feels unbearable?
The truth is, there are no easy answers. But perhaps the most radical thing we can do right now is to acknowledge the anger, exhaustion, and heartbreak—to hold space for these emotions without rushing to fix them. By honoring this fatigue, we create space for healing, resilience, and the strength to continue.
Reimagining the Fight
Instead of seeing this moment as a setback, what if we reimagine it as an opportunity? What if this is our chance to reinvent the fight?
What if we build systems of care that sustain us, rather than deplete us?
What if we ensure the burden doesn’t always fall on Black women’s shoulders?
What if we create structures that amplify everyone’s voices and share the load equitably?
This moment demands that we think differently about the work of equity. It’s a call to design new ways of fighting for justice—ways that don’t perpetuate harm or burnout, but instead sustain and empower us all.
Messy Progress is Still Progress
The uncertainty we face isn’t a sign of failure. It’s proof that we’re doing the hard work of disruption. Progress is messy, uncomfortable, and nonlinear—but it’s still progress.
We’ve disrupted norms. We’ve challenged power. And yes, we’ve paid a steep price for it. But the resistance we’re feeling now is a testament to the strength of our impact.
A Call to Action: Reinventing Together
This isn’t a time to retreat—it’s a time to reinvent.
If you’ve ever wondered how to support the fight for equity, now is the moment:
Amplify voices that need to be heard
Share resources to ease the load for those who are exhausted
Show up with courage and consistency, even when it feels challenging or uncomfortable
Actively identify and dismantle barriers that prevent everyone from being able to thrive.
This fight isn’t just about any one person—it’s about all of us. Together, we can create systems of care and collaboration that honor the work of those who came before us while paving the way for sustainable progress.
The path ahead may be unclear, but the need for action is not. This is our moment to reinvent the fight—to make it more inclusive, more sustainable, and more liberatory than ever before.
Thank you for continuing to show up, to reimagine, and to fight. Together, we will shape a future that reflects the equity and justice we know is possible.
If you’re ready to take the next step in this journey, partner with The Equity Lab to reimagine what’s possible and create sustainable, equity-centered solutions for your team, organization, and community. Let’s build the future together.
