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The U.S. Census Bureau has released statistics in recognition of Black History Month, which originated as Black History Week in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson established it during February's second week to honor Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass's birthdays. The observance was expanded to a full month in 1976 during America's bicentennial, with President Gerald Ford encouraging Americans to acknowledge African American achievements across all fields. The Census Bureau's data reveals that over 51 million people identify as Black or African American in the United States as of 2024. Additional statistics highlight educational attainment, workforce participation in professional occupations, business ownership, and military service among the Black community. # Key Takeaways

Business travel, encompassing conferences, training sessions, and client meetings, continues to thrive despite the rise of remote work capabilities, with corporate travel budgets projected to increase by 5% in 2026 according to Morgan Stanley. Companies are implementing structured travel programs and utilizing data analytics to manage expenses more efficiently while exploring alternative transportation options like luxury vans and fractional jet ownership to meet employees' expectations for comfort. The persistence of business travel stems from the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions, particularly for trade shows and conferences, which accounted for over 42% of pre-pandemic business travel spending and contributed to 34% of sales growth for companies in 2023. Effective corporate travel strategies focus on balancing employee safety, operational efficiency, and cost control while recognizing that certain business objectives require face-to-face engagement that virtual meetings cannot replicate. # Key Takeaways

San Diego's clean skincare industry has evolved from a niche market into a mainstream business opportunity, fueled by consumers seeking safer, transparently sourced products amid an 18% increase in personal care prices since 2020. Local entrepreneurs are building sustainable businesses by starting with focused product lines, utilizing direct-to-consumer channels, and partnering with contract manufacturers rather than treating clean beauty as a temporary trend. These brands emphasize ingredient transparency and community engagement through farmers markets and wellness events to build customer loyalty. The clean skincare movement encompasses various approaches including ingredient safety, environmental sustainability, and ethical sourcing, with San Diego businesses capitalizing on consumers' willingness to pay premium prices for products that align with their values. # Key Takeaways

Generation Z consumers are fundamentally transforming e-commerce through their demand for rapid service, honest business practices, and seamless digital experiences, with their increasing financial influence driving significant changes in online retail. The generational shift is evident in consumer behaviors, including 70% of shoppers now purchasing directly through social platforms and 81% abandoning shopping carts when delivery options are inadequate. Gen Z's shopping approach combines social media influence with careful evaluation, as nearly half report feeling financially insecure, leading them to prioritize authenticity and corporate responsibility in their purchasing decisions. Successful brands are responding by implementing AI-driven personalization, augmented reality features, streamlined payment systems, and transparent sustainability practices to meet these evolving expectations. The e-commerce landscape through 2028 will increasingly feature voice-activated shopping, immersive virtual experiences, and cross-border retail opportunities as companies adapt to this values-focused, technology-native consumer segment.

San Diego County's Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement has launched a new video training series to educate businesses and employees about their rights when federal immigration enforcement authorities visit workplaces. The initiative, which began following a Board of Supervisors directive, includes three short videos covering actions to take before, during, and after federal authority visits, along with more comprehensive training options available in multiple languages. Since the program's first webinar in November, OLSE has conducted twelve training sessions reaching over 1,100 participants, while thousands more have accessed their dedicated website launched in September 2025. The office is taking a collaborative, education-focused approach to help workplaces remain safe and compliant while understanding protections under state and local labor laws. This effort is part of a broader five-year County initiative to prevent wage theft by increasing awareness of labor rights and responsibilities.

A Washington think tank's report reveals that the Black community has experienced a severe economic downturn during President Trump's first year back in office, with Black unemployment rising from 6% to 7.5% and youth unemployment reaching approximately 18%. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies attributes this decline to aggressive policy changes, including mass federal workforce reductions through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency that eliminated 271,000 jobs, disproportionately affecting Black workers who are overrepresented in federal employment. The report also warns that Trump's tax policies, regulatory rollbacks on predatory lending protections, and housing initiatives will worsen racial inequality and further weaken the social safety net. However, the report maintains that this regression isn't inevitable and can be countered through organized action, evidence-based strategies, and the moral clarity that has historically driven successful racial justice movements.

JPMorganChase has committed $350,000 in philanthropic funding to Alabama Possible, a nonprofit organization, to enhance workforce training programs focused on advanced manufacturing and energy sectors throughout Alabama. The investment will support eight career advancement programs in partnership with the Alabama Community College System, including historically Black institutions, targeting fields like aviation, steel, and aerospace. Additionally, two new 11-week accelerated training programs will be developed for HVAC technicians and utility line workers in collaboration with Alabama Power to address critical shortages in the energy sector. This workforce development initiative coincides with Chase opening its 14th branch in Alabama, located in Mountain Brook, as part of the bank's broader plan to triple its state branch network by 2030 while addressing what JPMorganChase identifies as a national talent shortage threatening economic and national security.

Black-owned businesses throughout Minnesota joined a statewide general strike on Friday to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, closing their doors as an act of economic resistance and community solidarity. Business owners like Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara of Griot Arts in Rochester and organizations such as Rise & Remember chose to halt their normal operations, viewing the shutdown as a way to exercise collective economic power against state-sanctioned violence. Participants used the day to attend rallies, contact congressional representatives, and stand physically alongside immigrant communities affected by ICE activities. The strike represented a form of civil disobedience where business owners intentionally withdrew from economic participation to demand attention and change. After the day's protests, some spaces like Griot Arts planned to reopen for community gatherings focused on healing and solidarity.

The Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" immigration crackdown has severely impacted Minneapolis's Karmel Mall, a major commercial and community hub for America's largest Somali population. Business owners report that the mall, which typically houses over a hundred small businesses offering various goods and services, now sits largely empty as both immigrant and citizen customers avoid the area out of fear of federal immigration enforcement. Vendors describe losing the vast majority of their customers over a three-week period, with some businesses experiencing monthly revenue drops of $20,000 and struggling to pay rent. The economic devastation extends beyond typical business concerns, as the Somali community feels specifically targeted by President Trump's rhetoric calling them "garbage," creating widespread fear that affects citizens and noncitizens alike.

As businesses emerge from a turbulent 2025 marked by supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability, and economic volatility, Wells Fargo Commercial Banking recommends three strategic approaches for companies to capitalize on opportunities in 2026. Organizations should conduct comprehensive stress tests using scenario modeling to understand their vulnerabilities and strengthen financial resilience, particularly through tools like asset-based lending. Companies must pursue innovation strategically, especially regarding AI and automation, while ensuring technology investments align with broader operational objectives and don't create imbalances. Finally, businesses need to prioritize employee engagement and talent development programs, which research shows directly correlates with reduced turnover, increased revenue per employee, and improved profit margins. # Key Takeaways

California Senate Bill 648, authored by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, takes effect January 1st to combat tip theft affecting service industry workers. The legislation addresses a significant problem where employers illegally withhold gratuities from employees, with studies showing employers steal between $2 billion and $4.6 billion annually from California workers through various wage violations. The new law empowers the state's Labor Commissioner to investigate tip theft cases, issue citations, and pursue civil action against violating employers, closing a previous enforcement gap. Workers can also pursue private legal action with civil penalties ranging from $250 to $1,000 per violation, providing stronger protections for restaurant servers, hotel staff, hairdressers, and other service workers who depend on tips.

Dr. Rosie Milligan argues that Black America faces an urgent economic crisis as corporate diversity initiatives decline and traditional employment paths become unreliable. She contends that while other immigrant and ethnic communities have built wealth through business ownership and pooled resources, Black Americans have relied too heavily on institutions like corporations, government programs, and DEI policies to provide economic advancement. Milligan asserts that entrepreneurship and business ownership must become central priorities rather than backup plans, representing a new form of economic self-defense and community wealth-building. She calls for immediate action to teach Black children about ownership, multiple income streams, and creating sustainable family businesses instead of depending solely on education and employment for economic security. # Key Takeaways

The Bison ONE Newsroom represents a groundbreaking partnership between Howard University and NewsOne that trains student journalists amid widespread newsroom contractions and declining Black representation in media leadership. Led by journalism professor Dr. Stacey Patton and content executive Kirsten West Savali, the initiative emerged from successful student coverage of Vice President Kamala Harris's 2024 election night event and has since expanded to publish community-focused stories on topics like SNAP benefits and immigrant experiences. The collaboration positions itself as part of the historic Black press tradition, providing students with professional editing and a platform while mainstream media institutions retreat from racial equity commitments. By centering Black journalistic voices and perspectives, the newsroom functions as both training ground and counterweight to an industry increasingly pushing out Black journalists from decision-making roles.

Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Urban One, Inc., who was among the first faculty members at Howard University's School of Communications over 50 years ago, has partnered with the university to create opportunities for current students. The collaboration resulted in the Bison ONE Newsroom, launched this fall with NewsOne, which provides a platform for student journalists to publish their work nationally and build professional portfolios. Hughes emphasized the importance of developing multiple skillsets and expanding comfort zones rather than simply stepping outside them. The initiative aims to prepare student journalists at the historically Black university to face challenges in the current political climate while giving them real-world experience before graduation.

San Diego health officials are warning parents about toy safety during the holiday season, as hundreds of local children are treated in emergency departments annually for toy-related incidents. The primary concerns include choking hazards from small parts, dangers from button batteries that can cause severe internal burns, and lead exposure from older or imported toys. Parents are advised to check age-appropriateness labels, avoid button battery-powered toys when possible, and verify that toys meet safety standards through ASTM certification. Officials also recommend testing older toys for lead, maintaining proper nutrition to prevent lead absorption, and ensuring sports equipment comes with protective gear. # Key Takeaways

In response to major corporations abandoning DEI initiatives after Donald Trump's return to office in 2025, Word In Black is encouraging continued boycotts of mainstream retailers while promoting Black-owned businesses during the holiday shopping season. The article emphasizes that Black Americans command $2.1 trillion in collective spending power, noting that the ongoing Target boycott has already resulted in three consecutive quarters of declining sales. Rather than supporting corporations that have retreated from racial justice commitments, the publication advocates redirecting consumer dollars to Black entrepreneurs and businesses to build lasting economic power within the community. The article includes an extensive list of recommended Black-owned businesses across various categories, from beauty products to apparel to bookstores, compiled by Word In Black's editorial team. # Key Takeaways

Roxanne Brown is poised to make history in March as the first African American woman elected President of the United Steelworkers, North America's largest industrial union. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York by strong women involved in healthcare and unions, Brown spent her entire career advocating for workers across multiple sectors, starting in the union's policy division. She will lead the organization's most diverse board ever, representing a union membership that spans numerous industries and backgrounds. Brown plans to address current challenges like tariff uncertainty through sustained engagement, education, and advocacy while working to ensure union leadership reflects the diversity of its membership. # Key Takeaways

Two coalitions, Mass Blackout and We Ain't Buying It, are organizing economic boycotts over the Thanksgiving weekend to protest policies they believe have devastated Black communities economically. The movement responds to the removal of hundreds of thousands of Black federal workers since Trump's return to office, with Black women particularly affected as 265,000 have left the labor market since January and their unemployment rate has risen to 7.5 percent. The boycotts target major retailers like Amazon and Home Depot, which activists accuse of either benefiting from or cooperating with the Trump administration's agenda. Organizers frame this action as resistance against corporate entities that profit while Black families face economic collapse from federal policy changes affecting jobs, food assistance, healthcare, and income supports.

The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute released its 2025 report revealing severe disparities facing California's 1.2 million Black women and girls across economics, health, housing, and safety. Black women earn only 60 cents per dollar compared to White men, with 25% living below the poverty line and facing eviction rates nearly double other groups. Health challenges include being six times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes and significantly higher rates of chronic diseases, despite 80% having insurance. However, the report also highlights Black women's exceptional civic engagement, as they vote at higher rates than any demographic and hold 243 local government leadership positions while frequently serving as community anchors. The institute calls for policy changes including expanded maternal health programs, investment in Black women-led organizations, and mandatory pay transparency laws.

The Bywater neighborhood in New Orleans has transformed from a working-class, predominantly African American area into a gentrified arts district with dynamic restaurants, vintage shops, and vibrant street art. Spanning 120 blocks along the Mississippi River near the French Quarter, the area features historic Creole cottages and shotgun houses dating back to the 1840s-1880s, plus Crescent Park, a 2.2-mile linear green space built on formerly abandoned industrial waterfront. While the neighborhood has experienced rising rents and initial Airbnb saturation following Hurricane Katrina, it maintains its eclectic character through independent businesses, experimental cuisine ranging from Mexican to French-Japanese fusion, and community-focused establishments like Frady's One Stop food store. Local residents and business owners express concern about preserving the neighborhood's unique identity and affordability amid ongoing development pressures and demographic changes.

Amazon announced it will eliminate approximately 14,000 corporate positions, representing a 4% reduction in its corporate workforce, as part of a strategic shift toward increased artificial intelligence investment while reducing costs in other areas. Affected employees were notified on October 28 and given 90 days to seek internal transfers, with severance packages available for those unable to find new roles within the company. This marks Amazon's largest workforce reduction since 2023, when 27,000 jobs were cut, as CEO Andy Jassy continues his cost-cutting efforts that began when he took leadership in 2021. The company is simultaneously investing approximately $10 billion each in data center projects across multiple states to expand its AI and cloud computing capabilities, reflecting a broader industry transition from human workforce to technological infrastructure.

A new Brookings Institution report warns of potential job market instability that could exacerbate racial and economic disparities in the United States. While national unemployment remained steady between June 2024 and June 2025, Black unemployment rose by over half a percent, though the Washington D.C. region showed an unusual pattern where white unemployment increased faster than Black unemployment. The report highlights the Washington region as a possible harbinger of national trends, noting that over 46,000 people who had jobs in June 2024 were not working by mid-2025. Researchers Glencora Haskins and Tracy Hadden Loh emphasize the need for immediate action across sectors to address labor market stagnation and reduce disparities to prevent long-term economic and social damage.

Redemption Bank, the first Black-owned bank in the western United States, recently broke ground in Holladay, Utah, with Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., serving as senior vice president for corporate partnerships and community impact. The institution is classified as a Minority Depository Institution (MDI), becoming only the 24th such bank in the nation, and is uniquely positioned as the only Black-owned bank not located in an economically underserved community. Despite Utah's Black population being under 3 percent, founder Ashley Bell considers the state ideal for business due to its favorable banking regulations and supportive local investors and collaborators. The bank aims to address lending disparities highlighted by recent statistics showing 39 percent of Black-owned businesses were denied loans in 2024, significantly higher than the 18 percent rejection rate for white-owned businesses.

A recent survey reveals American teenagers are navigating a future workforce influenced by artificial intelligence, alternative education paths, and economic uncertainty. Despite 94% of teens expressing optimism about their future careers, 57% believe AI has negatively impacted their career outlook. The survey highlights changing attitudes toward education, with only 40% of teens believing a four-year degree is always worthwhile, though many still see higher education as necessary for their chosen fields. Young people are balancing passion against pay in their career considerations, with many planning to supplement their income through side hustles, while valuing real-world experience through internships and networking opportunities over formal education.

Karen Attiah, the only Black female opinion writer at the Washington Post, was terminated after over a decade of service allegedly for social media posts addressing white extremism and violence. Her dismissal occurs amid significant underrepresentation of Black journalists in American newsrooms, where only 6% of reporting journalists are Black despite comprising 12% of the population. The National Association of Black Journalists and other advocacy groups have condemned the firing as an "erosion of Black voices" and "a dangerous act of erasure" that sends a chilling message to other Black journalists. Experts warn that the absence of diverse perspectives has substantial consequences for journalism and national discourse, particularly as Black journalists remain clustered primarily in social issues coverage while being scarce in other important beats.

A recent LendingTree analysis reveals significant disparities in business financing approvals, with Black-owned businesses experiencing a 39% rejection rate in 2024, followed by Hispanic-owned businesses at 29%, compared to just 18% for white-owned businesses. Small businesses with 1-4 employees faced denial rates five times higher than larger firms, while businesses with 3-5 years of operation paradoxically experienced the highest rejection rate at 29%. SBA loans and lines of credit proved most difficult to secure with a 45% rejection rate, as high interest rates, inflation, and economic uncertainty have made lenders increasingly cautious about extending credit. Community development financial institutions and large banks showed the highest denial rates at 34% and 31% respectively, reflecting what LendingTree's chief analyst describes as part of a broader trend of tightened lending standards during unpredictable economic times.

The County of San Diego is working to increase small business participation in its procurement process, setting an ambitious goal to direct 25% of its $2.2 billion annual contract spending toward small businesses. The Board of Supervisors recently voted to update County policies to reduce barriers and improve access for small and local businesses seeking to work with the County. These changes include the creation of a new Social Equity Enterprises (SEEs) category for organizations that advance equity in historically underinvested communities. The initiative could potentially keep approximately $550 million per year in the regional economy, benefiting the estimated 123,000 small businesses that make up about 98% of all businesses in the area.

Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC has opened the Hyatt House Washington DC Downtown Convention Center, a 184-room extended-stay hotel in DC's Shaw neighborhood managed by Donohoe Hospitality Services. The project represents a homecoming for company founder Evens Charles, a DC native who spent nearly a decade pursuing development opportunities in his hometown. The new hotel offers apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens, fitness facilities, and communal spaces, situated just two blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Additionally, Frontier will soon debut REALM, an all-weather rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views of the DC skyline, furthering their vision of creating culturally vibrant hospitality assets in high-demand urban areas.

San Diego's economy, the third largest in California with approximately 390,000 small businesses employing nearly 59% of the region, faces significant disparities in business ownership and wages. Only 1.2% of San Diego small businesses are Black or African American-owned, and small businesses generally pay 38% less than larger companies with over 100 employees. These wage disparities disproportionately affect people of color, with Black and Latino workers dominating lower-paying healthcare support roles (earning under $20/hour) while being underrepresented in higher-paying technology positions (earning over $50/hour). To address these challenges, California's Employment Development Department (EDD) offers six key resources including CalJOBS, America's Job Center of California locations, unemployment benefits assistance, employer resources, e-Services for Business, and phone support for unemployment claims.

Recent research presented at the U.S. Black Chambers Annual Conference reveals strong consumer support for clearly identified Black-owned businesses across demographic groups. April Jeffries from Ipsos and Ron Busby Jr. from ByBlack shared findings from a 4,500-participant study showing positive responses to a "Certified for Future Generations Prosperity" seal, particularly in health and beauty, clothing, and fresh food categories. The research identified Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Oakland, and Washington, D.C. as markets with strongest support, suggesting certification could provide Black-owned businesses with a competitive advantage. ByBlack's certification process, requiring businesses to be at least 51% Black-owned, U.S.-headquartered, and operational for at least two years, offers the verification consumers seek when making purchasing decisions.

A national study from Binghamton University and California State University, San Bernardino reveals that Black households spend a significantly higher percentage of their income on energy costs compared to white households, even at the same income levels. Researchers found that households in majority African American census tracts spend an average of 5.1% of income on energy bills versus the national average of 3.2%, with factors including older housing stock and lower homeownership rates contributing to this disparity. These energy burdens force families to make difficult tradeoffs between utilities and other essentials like food and medicine, leading to serious health consequences including increased risks of asthma, depression, and even premature death. In Washington D.C., the situation is particularly severe, with SNAP-eligible households spending over 20% of their income on energy bills and utility companies implementing consecutive rate hikes that have resulted in thousands of service disconnections.

President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on steel and aluminum products has expanded to include 407 categories of derivative goods, effective Monday at 12:01 a.m. ET. Items like butter knives, baby strollers, spray deodorants, and fire extinguishers that were previously excluded are now subject to these higher tariffs. US importers face difficult decisions regarding goods already in transit, as accepting them means paying substantial new tariffs, while rejecting them likely results in financial losses. According to Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler, this expansion aims to prevent circumvention and support American steel and aluminum industries, though analysts warn these tariffs will likely increase production costs across multiple manufacturing sectors.

California's Governor's Office is contesting findings from a July 2025 National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) study claiming that the state's minimum wage increase to $20 for fast food workers resulted in 18,000 job losses. The wage increase, established through Assembly Bill 1228 in September 2023, went into effect on April 1, 2024, and created the Fast Food Council to regulate industry wages. A contradictory UC Berkeley study found no negative employment effects from the wage increase, instead showing 8-9% wage increases for covered workers and minimal price increases of about 1.5%. The wage increase has particularly impacted California's fast food workforce, which consists of nearly 80% people of color and about two-thirds women, with workers reporting improved financial situations since implementation.

Argan oil, a prized cosmetic worldwide, serves as a crucial economic lifeline for rural Moroccan women while coming from forests increasingly threatened by overconsumption and climate change. Women in cooperatives process the oil through traditional methods passed down through generations, earning minimal wages while international companies reap substantial profits. The argan forest has shrunk by 40% since 2000 due to multiple factors including drought, overgrazing, and agricultural expansion. Despite government conservation efforts like tree planting programs and attempts to improve storage facilities for producers, the industry faces serious challenges including an inequitable supply chain and fears that both the trees and cultural traditions they support may disappear.

Target is facing mounting backlash after quietly withdrawing from its $2.1 billion diversity, equity, and inclusion pledge made following George Floyd's murder. The company is experiencing declining sales and increasing boycotts led by civil rights activists who condemn Target for abandoning Black communities while simultaneously funding prosecutorial strategies targeting Black youth. Instead of addressing these concerns directly, Target has pursued celebrity partnerships and collaborations, such as teaming with Kai Cenat and AMP to launch the TONE personal care brand. Religious leaders, activists, and journalists have criticized these efforts as distractions that avoid accountability while failing to engage with Black-owned media outlets that serve affected communities.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on America's highest court, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 2025 Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) during the Essence Festival in New Orleans. Speaking to 500,000 in-person attendees and millions online, Justice Jackson shared her journey from Miami's public schools to the Supreme Court, emphasizing that justice requires active participation in decision-making processes. The GBEF Public Convention, part of the Essence Festival which generates $1 billion in economic activity, features various programming including health initiatives and policy discussions, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore scheduled to speak next. Led by President and CEO Alphonso David, the GBEF works to address economic disparities by building power across industries and creating opportunities for Black communities worldwide through global summits, leadership development, policy advocacy, and workplace innovation.

Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, a 41-year-old beer brewing master and the first Black woman to own a craft brewery in South Africa, is teaching 13 young Black graduates (mostly women) the art of beer making at her Brewsters Academy in Johannesburg. The students, who already hold science-related degrees, undergo a year-long program with six months of exploring beer varieties followed by work placement. Nxusani-Mawela aims to transform South Africa's $5.2 billion beer industry by creating opportunities for more Black people and women, while also preserving traditional African brewing methods through innovative beers like her award-winning Wild African Soul, which blends traditional Umqombothi with Belgian Saison.

The California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) has transformed into a permanent, independent institution called the Black Freedom Fund (BFF), continuing its mission to invest in Black-led organizations and communities throughout California. Since its inception, BFF has distributed over $45 million to 205 Black-serving organizations across 17 issue areas, with 95% of grants being unrestricted and 65% going to organizations led by Black women. Executive Director Marc Philpart led this evolution after the fund not only met but exceeded its initial $100 million goal, filling a crucial void in sustained support for Black power-building organizations. The BFF's work has become increasingly important as some public and private funding for minority-centered initiatives is being withdrawn.

Target CEO Brian Cornell met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus diversity task force on Capitol Hill on June 26, including Chairwoman Yvette Clarke, Rep. Steve Horsford, and Rep. Troy Carter. When questioned afterward, Cornell indicated the meeting provided helpful feedback and mentioned ongoing business priorities rather than addressing boycott concerns. The article notes that companies like Target face conflicting pressures regarding diversity policies, particularly as the Trump Administration has actively worked against diversity and inclusion initiatives, including issuing an executive order against DEI programs in January.