History Repeats Itself

History Repeats Itself: Reflections on Affirmative Action, Professional Success and the Ongoing Struggle for Equity

In the 1970s, I became one of the few Black Analytical Chemists to join the workforce under the framework of Affirmative Action. At Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Ardsley, New York, I worked alongside colleagues from prestigious Ivy League schools. My journey, however, began at Bluefield State College, a historically Black College or University where limited resources necessitated ingenuity and perseverance. For example, we couldn’t afford to purchase a high-pressure liquid chromatograph, so we built one ourselves. That hands-on experience prepared me in ways my peers could scarcely imagine. Yet, despite my qualifications and the unique skills I brought to the table, I was often labeled an “Affirmative Action hire.” This phrase wasn’t just a descriptor—it carried a subtext designed to undermine my credibility, suggesting that my position was the result of policy rather than ability.

Many Black professionals of my generation faced similar challenges. Despite our capabilities, we were often dismissed, underestimated, and forced to prove ourselves repeatedly in environments that weren’t designed for us to succeed. The label of “Affirmative Action hire” became a symbol of the biases we had to overcome.

The Affirmative Action Era and the Backlash That Followed

Affirmative Action was introduced in the 1960s to counter systemic discrimination and create pathways for marginalized communities to access education and employment. Its goal was simple but profound: to level a playing field that had been uneven for centuries for communities historically excluded from opportunities, it represented a chance to overcome barriers that were deeply ingrained in American institutions.

From its inception, however, the policy met with resistance. Critics argued that it undermined the principle of meritocracy, conveniently ignoring how centuries of exclusion had given white professionals an insurmountable head start. This pushback intensified during the 1980s as conservative political movements gained traction. The narrative shifted, reframing Affirmative Action as an unfair advantage for minorities rather than a corrective measure for systemic inequities.

One of the most notable moments in this backlash came with the Supreme Court case Regents of the University of California v. Bakke in 1978. The court’s decision banned racial quotas in admissions while allowing race to be one factor among many. Though the ruling preserved the spirit of Affirmative Action, it also validated criticisms that would fuel subsequent attacks on equity initiatives.

Today, we see echoes of these same arguments in the renewed scrutiny of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Much like Affirmative Action, DEI initiatives aim to create inclusive environments and rectify historical inequities. Yet, they too are being challenged under the guise of preserving “merit” and “fairness.”

Personal Lessons from a Lifetime of Professional Success

My career spanned roles as a chemist, pharmaceutical executive, entrepreneur, state cabinet member, and educator. In each of these positions, I encountered subtle and overt forms of exclusion. Despite consistently excelling in my work, I found that advancing professionally often required changing jobs every few years. This wasn’t unique to me—it was a familiar pattern among Black professionals. We were frequently branded as “too ambitious” or “uppity,” labels that carried the weight of unspoken bias and limited our opportunities for growth.

To navigate these spaces, those of us from marginalized backgrounds had to master the cultural norms of predominantly white institutions. We learned to code-switch, to assimilate into environments that often made little effort to accommodate us. Meanwhile, our white colleagues were rarely, if ever, required to engage with our cultures or experiences.

For women of color, the challenges were even greater. They faced the dual burden of racism and sexism, navigating a landscape that often refused to acknowledge their capabilities. Their resilience and achievements in the face of these barriers remain a testament to their strength and determination.

As DEI programs face renewed attacks, I see history repeating itself. The same arguments that were once used to undermine Affirmative Action are being recycled to discredit efforts to build more inclusive workplaces and educational institutions.

Five Lessons to Avoid Repeating History

The parallels between the past and present are undeniable. If we fail to learn from history, we risk reliving it. To ensure that progress continues, here are five lessons that must guide our actions:

Recognize the Power of Diversity: Organizations and societies that embrace diversity are better equipped to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. Different perspectives fuel innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

Challenge the “Unfair Advantage” Myth: Equity programs are not about giving unfair advantages but about correcting systemic barriers that have long privileged the majority. Understanding this distinction is crucial for meaningful progress.

Invest in Inclusive Education: Access to quality education is one of the most powerful tools for creating a fairer society. Expanding educational opportunities for marginalized communities is an investment in our collective future.

Prioritize Civic Engagement and Voting: Voting remains our most powerful tool for defending and expanding progress. It is a right that was hard-won by generations before us and one that must be exercised vigilantly to ensure that equity remains a priority.

Look to Gen Z for Leadership: This generation has grown up with diversity as a norm. Their mindset, shaped by an inherently interconnected and inclusive world, positions them to drive meaningful change.

A Call to Action: Vote for the Future You Deserve

The rollback of DEI programs mirrors the backlash against Affirmative Action decades ago. History teaches us that progress is never guaranteed; it must be actively defended and fought for. As Frederick Douglass famously said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”

This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Every American has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to demand equity, justice, and opportunity for all. By voting, engaging in civic action, and supporting policies that promote inclusion, we can ensure that the progress made by generations before us is not undone.

The promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” must be a reality for every American, not just a privileged few. Together, we can build a future where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and inclusion is the foundation of our shared success.

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