HBCU ORIGINAL
Are Companies Backing Away From DEI? What It Means for HBCU Students and Alumni
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are an integral part of many corporate spaces—but things are changing. Over the past few years, DEI has been embraced by companies looking to create a workforce that reflects the communities they serve. Now, though, some businesses are scaling back, leaving many of us in HBCU communities wondering what this means for our opportunities and progress.
Let’s break it down:
Why the Retreat on DEI?
A mix of political pressures, legal challenges, and shareholder concerns have driven some of the biggest names in corporate America to rethink their DEI commitments. Companies that once stood boldly behind inclusive hiring, employee resource groups (ERGs), and supplier diversity initiatives are now scaling back—or rebranding those efforts.
For instance:
- Terms like “equity” are being swapped for “belonging” or “diversity of thought.”
- High-profile organizations like Amazon and Boeing have cut back or outright dismantled their DEI teams.
For HBCU students and alumni, who are often a focus of these programs, this shift raises questions about representation and access to opportunity in industries that have traditionally been less inclusive.
Companies Scaling Back
Here’s a quick look at some major companies making significant changes:
- Amazon: Ended certain DEI programs, calling them outdated.
- Boeing: Closed its global DEI department entirely in 2023.
- Meta: Cut DEI hiring programs and scaled back supplier diversity.
- Target: Completed its three-year DEI goals but pulled back on external diversity surveys.
These shifts don’t just impact employees already working in these companies—they can also make internships, partnerships, and recruitment opportunities harder to come by for HBCU students.
Who’s Still Standing Firm?
Not every company is stepping away from DEI. In fact, some are doubling down, emphasizing how diversity is not only right but also a smart business move.
- Apple: Encouraged shareholders to reject anti-DEI proposals and reaffirmed its commitment to creating a diverse workforce.
- Delta Air Lines: Called DEI a critical part of its business success during a recent earnings call.
- Salesforce: CEO Marc Benioff stood firm, stating that diverse perspectives drive better business outcomes.
- Cisco: CEO Chuck Robbins said that a diverse team delivers measurable success.
These companies are leading by example, showing how DEI creates spaces where everyone can thrive—including HBCU alumni and students.
What’s the Impact on HBCUs?
For HBCUs, corporate DEI programs have long been an important bridge, connecting students to internships, scholarships, and post-grad careers. As these programs diminish, HBCU graduates could face additional challenges breaking into certain industries or ascending the corporate ladder.
But there’s good news: the value of an HBCU education doesn’t hinge on corporate trends. As students and alumni, we carry the legacy of resilience, excellence, and community that no DEI initiative can erase.
How Can You Stay Ready?
Even as DEI landscapes shift, here are ways you can stay ahead:
- Build Your Network: Leverage HBCU alumni associations, LinkedIn groups, and other professional networks to create connections in your field.
- Be Informed: Keep up with companies actively recruiting HBCU students or maintaining DEI efforts.
- Own Your Value: Highlight the unique skills and perspectives you bring to the table as an HBCU graduate.
Final Thoughts
Change can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember: while companies may scale back DEI, they can’t take away the impact HBCU students and alumni have made—and will continue to make. Whether it’s in boardrooms, classrooms, or on Capitol Hill, the legacy of HBCUs is unstoppable.
Keep pushing. Keep networking. Keep building. Because no matter how corporate trends shift, our community remains strong and thriving.
What’s your take on these changes? Let’s talk in the comments!
Events
Roots Picnic 2025 Day 2: The Roots, Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, CeeLo Green & Backyard Band Rock Philly
Day 2 was a MOVIE. From legendary acts to hometown love — the energy was on 100 all day!
🔥 The Roots took their stage to another level, backed by surprise moments and that signature Philly soul.
🎺 Go-Go Backyard Band x CeeLo Green gave us that D.C. bounce with a soulful twist.
🎤 Meek Mill shut it down with a performance that had the whole crowd screaming “Dreams & Nightmares!”
🎸 Lenny Kravitz brought the rockstar fire — pure artistry.
HBCU Original was back in the mix, covering every unforgettable moment and repping the culture loud and proud.
💥 Roots Picnic 2025 = history in motion.
👉🏾 More info & lineup: therootspicnic.com
#HBCUOriginal, #RootsPicnic2025, #TheRoots, #MeekMill, #LennyKravitz, #CeeLoGreen, #GoGoBackyardBand, #PhillyVibes, #BlackCulture, #OnSetWithHBCUOriginal
Events
The Roots Picnic 2025 Day One Recap: Maxwell, Latto, GloRilla, Jeezy & Musiq Soulchild Bring the Heat
The vibes were real, and the performances? Next level. 🔥
Maxwell, Latto, GloRilla, Musiq Soulchild, Jeezy, and more lit up the stage and gave the crowd unforgettable moments.
HBCU Original was on the scene, covering the event, connecting with the culture, and watching a few of the dopest performances of the night. 🎥🎙️
Let’s talk about it — Latto tore the set UP! Her energy, crowd control, and presence were undeniable. One of the most talked-about sets of the night.
Catch the full lineup and stay in the loop 👉🏾 therootspicnic.com
🎶 This was just Day One. More vibes to come!
#HBCUOriginal #RootsPicnic2025 #Latto #Maxwell #GloRilla #MusiqSoulchild #Jeezy #LiveMusic #BlackCulture #OnSetWithHBCUOriginal
PHILADELPHIA — Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Olympic bronze medalist and U.S. champion in the 100m, delivered one of her most impressive performances to date at the 2025 Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, winning the 200m in a personal-best 21.99 seconds. The time not only marked her first sub-22 but also set a new record at Franklin Field, beating Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas, who finished second in 22.10.
“Even though I’m primarily a 100m runner, the workouts that we do will prep me for the 200m,” said Jefferson-Wooden, who trains in Central Florida alongside Olympic 100m silver medalist Sha’Carri Richardson.
Jefferson-Wooden, who got married in March, plans to compete in both the 100m and 200m at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships, July 31–August 3. With this 200m win, she has positioned herself to potentially earn a spot on Team USA in a second sprint event.
HBCU Original was on the scene, bringing live coverage and behind-the-scenes access to fans supporting HBCU athletes and culture at elite track meets like this one.
Other Key Results:
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Ackera Nugent (Jamaica) took the 100m hurdles in 12.44.
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone placed fifth in the 100m hurdles at 12.70, just off her personal best of 12.65.
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Marco Arop (Canada) won the men’s 800m in 1:43.38, holding off American Josh Hoey (1:44.41).
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Kenny Bednarek claimed the men’s 200m in 19.95, staying undefeated on the Grand Slam circuit.
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Alison dos Santos (Brazil) remained perfect in the men’s 400m hurdles, clocking 48.11.
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Matthew Hudson-Smith (UK) captured the men’s 400m in 44.51.
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Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic) won the women’s 400m in a world-leading 49.12.
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Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) ran 3:58.04 to win the women’s 1500m.
For full meet results, visit:
👉 Grand Slam Track Official Results
By HBCU Original Staff
Published May 29, 2025
In 2025, Donald J. Trump has once again put his presidential pardon power on full display—this time in his second term, issuing a wave of clemency decisions that continue to spark debate across the nation.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has pardoned a broad list of individuals, many of whom have been at the center of political and legal controversies. The pardons have been hailed by supporters as efforts to correct what they see as unfair treatment by a “weaponized” justice system, while critics argue the moves reflect a pattern of shielding allies, amplifying a narrative of persecution, and undermining the legitimacy of law enforcement.
The Sweep: Pardoning January 6 Capitol Riot Defendants
Perhaps the most dramatic move came on Trump’s inauguration day, January 20, 2025. He granted full pardons to nearly 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot—ranging from nonviolent participants to those convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement officers.
Among the clemency recipients were prominent far-right figures like Enrique Tarrio, former Proud Boys leader, whose 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, whose 18-year sentence was reduced to time served.
Trump described this mass pardon as an effort to “end a grave national injustice” and promote “national reconciliation,” but the move drew sharp criticism from many who viewed it as a dangerous dismissal of the violent assault on democracy.
High-Profile Pardons: From Dark Web to Political Figures
Among other notable pardons:
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Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous Silk Road dark web marketplace, was granted a full and unconditional pardon. Despite a life sentence for drug trafficking and money laundering, Ulbricht’s supporters in the libertarian and cryptocurrency communities hailed the pardon as a blow against government overreach.
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Rod Blagojevich, former Illinois Governor known for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat, received a full pardon that cleared his criminal record after his sentence was commuted during Trump’s first term. Blagojevich has been vocal in his support for Trump, even calling himself a “Trump-ocrat.”
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NBA YoungBoy (Kentrell DeSean Gaulden), the popular rapper serving a sentence on a federal gun charge, was pardoned in late May 2025. YoungBoy expressed gratitude for the pardon, calling it an opportunity to rebuild his life and career.
Controversies and Political Alliances
Many of Trump’s pardons have focused on individuals with political or financial ties:
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Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola, convicted of fraud, was pardoned despite ongoing legal controversies. Milton and his wife have donated millions to Trump’s campaigns.
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Several cryptocurrency executives, including the co-founders of BitMEX, were pardoned after pleading guilty to violations related to anti-money laundering laws.
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Former Republican Tennessee Senator Brian Kelsey and former Virginia sheriff Scott Jenkins, both convicted of corruption-related charges, were also pardoned amid claims of political prosecution.
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Anti-abortion activists convicted for clinic blockades, including Lauren Handy—a figure associated with a highly controversial case involving the discovery of fetal remains—were granted clemency.
The Critics Speak Out
Civil rights advocates and legal experts warn these pardons may deepen distrust in the justice system. Dr. Tamika Hall, a legal analyst, commented:
“This series of pardons isn’t just about correcting miscarriages of justice. It’s a political tool to reward loyalty and erase accountability.”
They argue that pardons extended to January 6 defendants and politically connected figures send a troubling message about equal justice under the law.
Supporters Defend the Pardons
Trump supporters and some political commentators praise the clemency as a way to fight what they describe as “political persecution” and “selective prosecution.” They see the pardons as restoring balance to a system they believe unfairly targets conservatives and Trump allies.
What This Means for America
As the 2024 election aftermath unfolds and Trump maintains a strong hold over a large voting base, the 2025 pardons are more than legal acts—they are political statements shaping the national conversation around justice, loyalty, and power.
Whether viewed as rightful acts of mercy or as controversial power plays, Trump’s pardons will continue to be a defining part of his legacy—and a story that keeps the nation talking.
Join the Conversation:
What are your thoughts on President Trump’s 2025 pardons? Do you see them as justice served or political favoritism? Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @HBCUOriginal and share your voice.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Five talented students from Southern University have won a prestigious Sports Emmy Award for their documentary, The Hidden Sport.
The award-winning project earned national acclaim for its compelling storytelling and high production value. The documentary was initially named a finalist, bringing significant attention to its creators and the legacy it honors.
The student team—Sydney Cuillier, Ashley Lovelace, Verbon Muhammad, Loren Sullivan, and Eric White—affectionately known as “The Dream Team,” created The Hidden Sport to shine a light on the iconic Southern University Human Jukebox marching band. The film explores the band’s cultural influence on sports at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Inspired by the relentless dedication of the Human Jukebox, the team was motivated to capture and celebrate the artistry, discipline, and athleticism that band members embody. After releasing a teaser of the documentary on social media, it quickly went viral, amassing over 100,000 views.
“We wanted to highlight the time, effort, and commitment these musicians pour into their craft,” said Cuillier. “They train and perform with the same intensity and rigor as athletes—that’s what gave birth to the idea of The Hidden Sport.”
The documentary is also a heartfelt tribute to two influential figures in Southern University’s athletic and musical community: Caleb Wilson, a dedicated band member, and Sean Wallace, a beloved football coach—both of whom passed away during the production. The students dedicated the film in their memory.
The winners were announced during the 2025 Sports Emmy Awards ceremony held in New York City on Tuesday, May 20.
In a gesture of giving back, the students plan to allocate part of the award proceeds to support the Human Jukebox program, its media team, and scholarships for future students pursuing similar creative paths.
One of the filmmakers, a native of Monroe, also helped bring regional pride to the Emmy-winning achievement.
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