Words

What are your thoughts about the words diversity vs. included?

Oprah Winfrey has spoken recently stating she would not use diversity in her vocabulary because she had learned from her friend Ava D. that what we, as Black people, are really looking for is to be included.

My first thought was being called African American vs. Black debate. I’m personally tired of people giving us names. I identify as a Black woman born and raised in the United States of America.

Diversity means a range of different things or people.
Include means being part of the whole.

This is my take. Both words work for what we as Black people strive for each day. We work hard for diversity in our jobs and communities as well as to be included in everything that is available to everyone else. We want to be included at the table of housing, financial freedom, education and more. There should not be a limit on what we can do or have access too.

I will continue to use the word diversity and include when applicable because each has a place to describe what Black people are working for today. One word does not define most situations and it relates to these two words as well.