Today we received the first of what is likely to be a bevvy of disappointing but unsurprising emails. The salient part is this: “Given recent developments in the broader political landscape, County leadership has determined…
read more

Data is powerful. It shows us patterns, reveals gaps in our understanding, and clarifies steps we need to take to solve problems. Except when it doesn’t. The fact is, there are serious limits to quantitative…
read more

What do you think of when you hear “DEI training?” Memories of mandated, awkward exercises with your co-workers? Or perhaps fear (of saying the wrong thing, hurting others, or being hurt yourself). Sadly, you’re not…
read more

As another Black History Month draws to a close, it’s worth reflecting on the purpose of this annual celebration.  Yes, the commemoration of Black pioneers like Frederick Douglass or Maya Angelou is important. But it’s…
read more

When I founded UPD in 2005, the mission was simple: help build better, higher performing, and more resilient organizations.  From the beginning, Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) has been crucial in this mission, not…
read more

Appeasement never works: it’s an old lesson from the history books, and it rings just as true in today’s culture wars.  Look no further than last month, when Scholastic, the publishing and distribution company known…
read more

This recent study shows some pretty dramatic benefits to the overall economy in pursuing an equity agenda—to the tune of nearly $26 trillion over the 30 years analyzed! We should all know by now that…
read more

All across the country, city and county governments are declaring racism a “public health crisis.” This is a highly accurate statement given the disparities in quality medical care, life outcomes, and overall well-being for Black…
read more

Data collected by government organizations are a public asset, and they need to be managed in ways that protect the public’s interest. As government organizations move toward more equitable decision making and actions, the data…
read more

The history of football in the United States is as much a story of what’s taken place on the field as it is of American history itself. A historical look at the role of Black…
read more