DEIA Is Only an Acronym

By guest author, Jenenne Whitfield

Stop! In the name of humanity.

Yes, we are in a new state of lawlessness from the top down. Yes, a gigantic invisible boulder called fear is gripping citizens at every turn. Yes, morale is low, and yes, new degrees of suffering are coming. Many of us have firsthand experience. The new bondage is psychological, but this time, it will affect all of humanity.

So how are we to respond? What can we do? What should we do? Are we, as individuals, powerless?

Let’s take a step back and think for a moment. Take DEIA, for example. At its core, it was an effort to diversify, to be fair and inclusive, and to provide access—because, apparently, that wasn’t happening. Now, we’re told to simply go back to being unfair, inequitable, exclusive, and discriminatory.

But the power has always been in someone’s hands—to do the right thing or not. Did we?

Guess what? That power is still in your hands. Will you do the right thing? At the end of the day, you must live with your decision. The power is always in the hands of the individual—so stop giving it away! DEIA is only an acronym.

At some point, our humanity must rise to a new level of consciousness—one where we focus on our inner strengths to combat and arrest the ignorance and brutish behavior that is vastly becoming the norm.

The alternative? To slowly and painfully waste away.

About Jennene

Jenenne Whitfield is a distinguished arts executive, consultant, and holistic coach dedicated to cultural transformation and social impact. Born and raised in Detroit, she transitioned from banking to the arts in 1993 as President of the Heidelberg Project, where she spent 29 years strengthening its structure, securing major funding, and elevating it into a globally recognized public art initiative. Her leadership earned numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Detroit and Best Cultural Activation from Leading Culture Destinations. In 2022, she became Executive Director of the American Visionary Art Museum, expanding its national reach and forging key partnerships.

Now a sought-after consultant, Jenenne serves as Cultural Advisor to MCB Real Estate, integrating art and culture into the redevelopment of Baltimore’s Harborplace. A Wayne State University alum, she has lectured on Art as a Social Practice and Creative Placemaking, authored award-winning publications, and continues to mentor emerging cultural leaders. A professional life coach and Licensed Minister of Divine Metaphysics, she attributes her success to over 35 years of metaphysical study and a steadfast commitment to holistic leadership.