Anita J. Ponder’s Post

I am a CEO. I am a Lawyer. Both are “BLACK JOBS”. Anybody can do any job! Just give them training, an opportunity, support - and get the fu_k out their way. Many Blacks and women, like me, currently have and have had jobs that were intended for “others”….which seems to be the problem with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It encourages organizations to consider and hire women, Blacks, other people of color and disabled individuals for all employment and contracting opportunities for which we are qualified and/or capable of performing. Because high-level or so-called white collar and managerial opportunities are NOT considered “Black jobs”, there is a significant backlash against DEI. Those jobs are intended for others who now claim to be underemployed and are on a quest to make America great again. That’s why we do what we do at Ponder Diversity Group LLC, a legal consultancy (law firm) that’s committed to providing legal support, including DEI assessments, recommendations and training, to organizations that want to advance workplace and supplier diversity. Blacks should be considered for any and all jobs and contract opportunities - not just those that “others” do not want. If you really want to make America great, give all Americans an equal opportunity to succeed at whatever they want to do.🇺🇸 #Blackjob #LinkedIn #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion #strategy #leadership #blackexcellence #blackprofessionals #blacklawyers #blackownedbusinesses #lawfirm #legalservices #consultingservices

This is BS. Let’s call a spade a spade. The new term, MEI—Merit, Excellence, Intelligence which has emerged to replace DEI (ie, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) is a pathetic attempt by conservatives to justify their rejection of initiatives to “level the playing field”. Here’s the problem. By focusing on merit, excellence, and intelligence, we perpetuate elitism and exclusion, reinforcing biases and marginalizing diverse individuals, particularly qualified Blacks, other people of color and women. Whereas, DEI acknowledges the systemic discrimination of marginalized, underserved communities and disadvantaged individuals. MEI overlooks structural institutional barriers that need to be dismantled to create a level playing field. Meritocracy falsely assumes there is currently a level playing field for everyone where success is solely determined by one’s individual abilities and efforts. However, systemic inequalities create unequal opportunities in the workplace and in business, leading to subjective, misleading assessments of so-called merit. Before we start promoting “MEI “ and/or other new terminology, let’s critically examine the implications of the framework to ensure it promotes inclusivity and equity for all. If it doesn’t, let’s call it out and stay focused on achieving our goals.❤️ #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

I’m a proud American. I’m not telling you how to vote. But don’t take an oath to a “wannabe dictator”. This is the United States of America. Black people have no intentions of returning back to life prior to Juneteenth. We believe that all men and women are created equal under the law. And, no group of people should have a greater advantage to succeed. If you believe this - exercise your right to vote and tell your family (and coworkers) to do the same. They were united on Juneteenth. You’ve seen all the photos. Now, it’s time to reunite to vote. It’s our constitutional right and civic duty. Today more than ever is the time to make voting our number one priority. Just remember Juneteenth. If we go back, we may never have another opportunity for freedom. Our community and allies stand united in our belief that all individuals deserve equal opportunities in the workplace and supply chain, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. Let us honor Juneteenth by not just liking our favorite posts, but exercising our right to vote, ensuring a future where freedom and equality prevails for everyone.♥️ #Juneteenth #emanicipation #freedom #equality #equalopportunity #fairness #vote #righttovote #diversity #equity #inclusion #DEI #workplacediversity #supplierdiversity #blackwomen #blackwomenprofessionals #blackwomenbusinessowners #blackwomenlawyers #blackwomenleaders #blackownedbusinesses #minoritybusinesses #womenbusinesses #underrepresentation #timetounite #proudamerican

Happy Juneteenth! Today, my colleagues and I at Ponder Diversity Group (PDG) commemorate Juneteenth, recognizing the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom. This significant day, occurring two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, symbolizes resilience and the ongoing fight for equal rights for Black people. As a Black woman attorney and DEI advocate, I proudly embrace my civic duty to advocate for our communities and educate them on their rights….and responsibilities. Juneteenth's recent designation as a federal holiday by President Biden emphasizes the importance of honoring our Black ancestors and their distinguished legacy of strength, determination and pride. We at PDG uphold the tradition of celebrating the significant achievements and excellence of Black women and businesses in law and across all industries that are paving the way forward for our communities nationwide. We invite you, regardless of your ethnicity, race or gender, to join us in being intentional in your celebrations and communications not only today, but everyday throughout the year.🫶🏾🇺🇸 #Juneteenth #emanicipation #equalrights #civilrights #humanrights #celebrate #blackexcellence #blackbusiness #blackwomenbusiness #blackwomeninlaw #diversity #equity #inclusion #civicduty #beintentional #pavethewayforward

Only a monster would do this. Nine years ago, a horrific incident took place in a historic Black church in Charleston, South Carolina. Although I’m not personally connected to any of the victims, the impact of this racist tragedy deeply affected me. Charleston is my birthplace. I believe that if one's beliefs breed hatred against people of any race or ethnicity, their upbringing was a profound failure. Every day offers an opportunity to make a more compassionate choice. If you are influenced by hate-mongering, your family and community have failed you. But, it’s never too late to change. Just ask yourself - how would I feel if someone indiscriminately killed my loved ones - my parents, partner, or children… because of the color of their skin? If this doesn’t compel you to change and respect others regardless of your differences, perhaps nothing will. Unfortunately, everyone doesn’t have a heart. May we remember each of the victims of this massacre and may they Rest In Peace. ♥️ #weremember #knowtheirnames #charlestonsouthcarolina #blackchurch #massacre #restinpeace #racism #diversity #equity #inclusion #dei #equality #equalopportunity #fairness #vote #righttovote #workplacediversity #supplierdiversity #africanamericans #blackwomen #underrepresentation #timetounite #proudamerican

Happy Father’s Day to all dads…and to all mothers who provide them support.♥️ #happyfathersday

President Obama and I have more in common than you may think. I never really knew my dad either. Our interactions were sparse throughout his life. My parents divorced when I was a child. I was raised by my mother, Dr. Gwindelle Wilson Ponder, a college mathematics professor, who taught me to be a good person and live by the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” - treat other people with the concern and kindness you would like them to show toward you. My mother taught me to have an open heart for other people who may be different or disadvantaged, regardless of their race, ethnicity or nationality. As I look back at my upbringing, including my CPS and HBCU education and legal career, I am incredibly grateful to my phenomenal mother who made countless sacrifices to raise me and my two siblings. (If only she could she me now!). Her lessons on the importance of having dignity, empathy, giving back to our community and embracing diversity resonate with me every single day. This Father's Day, I extend my appreciation and gratitude to all fathers as well as mothers who, like Barack and Michelle Obama today, lead by example, imparting the virtues of hard work, integrity, responsibility and delayed gratification to shape a brighter future for their children, as well as our country. May all parents follow their lead. Happy Father's Day!♥️ #happyfathersday #presidentobama #michelleobama #mothers #fathers #goldenrule #concern #kindness #openheart #diversity #equity #inclusion #dignity #empathy #givingback #hardwork #integrity #responsibility #delayedgratification

SILENCE IS DEAFENING. I remember this tragic incident eight years ago like it was yesterday. Although I didn’t know anyone who was killed during the massacre or anyone who was related to anyone who was killed - it made me sick to my stomach. “If your religion or your politics is all about hatred, time to reflect on how massively you have failed in life. Can you turn it around? As long as you keep waking up, you can make a different choice. If your parents modeled this type of hate-mongering, they have failed. Feel free to tell them that”. Gary Shulman, MS. Ed. And, feel free to tell them that I agree with Gary. Now, let’s see who has the courage to stand up with us against hatred of any kind…including racism and sexism. Thanks Gary for inspiring me to speak up. I remember too.♥️ #pulsemassacre #weremember #pridemonth #diversity #equity #inclusion #keepthepulse #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalintelligence #institutionalchange #love