This Black History Month, we reflect on the systemic barriers accomplished leaders face and the work of Black scholars who are shining light on racial inequalities in business and broader society. [...]

It’s been a complex year for DEI practitioners. Both the market and the political landscape have been fraught, and a wave of backlash has engendered uncertainty about how companies can continue to advance equity. Practitioners, in particular, may be finding it difficult to persist toward meaningful organizational change in the face of contentious conversations and media firestorms generated across the political spectrum. There is mounting concern that public corporate commitments to improving workplace equity are superficial and ultimately ineffectual. This might lead many to fear what have become highly polarizing terms, among them the word “diversity” itself. [...]

Every November, we observe Indigenous History Month, formally known in the United States as Native American Heritage Month. It is impossible to honor First Nations peoples without scrutinizing the many ways in which their histories have been obscured or even erased. In the US and beyond, certain strides have been made, such as normalizing the practice of land acknowledgment, but much remains to be done. [...]

As racial equity scholars and advocates, we tackle the gaps in our society from multiple vantage points. Inequality presents itself not only in the workplace but also in politics, domestic life, and more. This October, we are well into Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), and as we celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latinx* leaders, including many HBS alumni, and others, we also endeavor to examine how we can build a workplace, and a society, where they and other marginalized groups can thrive. [...]

In June, the nation finally learned the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. vs. Harvard University and The University of North Carolina. As we continue to digest the news that the Court declared affirmative action unconstitutional, we look ahead to the new academic year with mixed emotions. [...]