An aerial view of Aurora. (Getty Images)
As a second-generation Colorado native, president of the Rocky Mountain NAACP, and a proud resident of Aurora — a city that thrives on its rich cultural diversity — I cannot remain silent as the Trump administration launches an assault on the principles that make Colorado, and this nation, great.
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued sweeping executive orders dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal workplaces. These actions are not just regressive — they are dangerous. Nearly 40,000 federal civilian employees in Colorado stand to feel the immediate effects of this rollback. The broader implications, however, go far deeper: They threaten the fabric of our communities, the strength of our workforce, and the promise of equal opportunity for all.
Aurora, my current home, represents the best of Colorado. As one of the most diverse cities in the state, it is a testament to the power of inclusion. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in the African Leadership Group cohort graduation led by Papa Dia. In that room, voices from Black, Latino and white communities came together to envision a future where everyone thrives. It is this spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that Trump’s policies seek to dismantle.
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DEI programs are not just bureaucratic exercises; they are essential tools for justice.
They provide pathways for underrepresented groups, address systemic inequities, and foster environments where everyone — regardless of race, gender or background — has the opportunity to succeed. I have spent over 20 years in human resources in my professional career, and these initiatives make good business sense. Studies show that organizations with diverse workforces are more innovative and profitable. Diversity is not just a moral imperative; it’s a distinct competitive advantage.
As a community leader in this critical moment, I must call out the Trump administration’s calculated dismantling of DEI programs and imposition of a federal hiring freeze for what it is: a deliberate perpetuation of inequality. These actions are a direct assault on working families, immigrants and communities of color. By targeting birthright citizenship and advancing fear-based policies, this administration has laid bare its exclusionary vision for America — a vision rooted in the past rather than progress.
This is not 1865. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, but under Trump’s dangerous ideology, even that foundational freedom feels under threat. We cannot afford to let our country slide backward. We must fight to protect the rights and dignity of all people.
This is not the Colorado I know. Fleeing segregation and Jim Crow laws in Alabama (a state that once banned the NAACP, in 1956), my family came to Colorado from Birmingham and Montgomery, because it embraced diversity and allowed individuals from all walks of life to thrive. Now, more than ever, our elected officials must embody this legacy.
Gov. Jared Polis, Sen. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Michael Bennet and all Colorado leaders: I urge you to stand firm against these oppressive policies. Issue public statements rejecting these executive orders. Bolster state-level diversity and fairness programs to ensure that Colorado remains a beacon of hope and work to create state and local protections for marginalized communities under threat.
We cannot afford complacency. History will judge us by how we respond to this moment. Colorado has the opportunity — and the responsibility — to lead. Our state’s diversity is its strength. Together, we can ensure that the values of equity and inclusion not only survive but flourish.
To learn more about Rocky Mountain NAACP CO-MT-WY State Conference’s work to advance a more inclusive economy, visit rmnaacp.org.
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