February 19th 2025.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock delivered a powerful message during his guest sermon at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. According to reports from The Hill, Warnock used his time in the pulpit to address the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion by President Donald Trump. As a Baptist preacher, he spoke passionately about the importance of these initiatives and called out Trump's actions as a "wholesale unabashed assault."
During the annual HBCU Welcome Sunday on February 16, Warnock reminded Trump that without diversity, equity, and inclusion, the White House would not exist. He emphasized that the White House was built by Black hands and that the federal DEI programs were eliminated just days after the 47th President took office. This was a result of an executive order aimed at ending "illegal preferences and discrimination" in government and encouraging the private sector to do the same.
Warnock also addressed the threats to abolish the Department of Education, which would have a significant impact on schools, including HBCUs. He pointed out that these institutions have been warned to get rid of all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by 2025 or risk losing funding. This includes outlawing scholarships designed to benefit Black students. Warnock acknowledged that diversity can be uncomfortable for those accustomed to privilege, but it is necessary for creating a fair and just society.
Throughout the service, Warnock incorporated a spiritual context to his message about diversity, equity, and inclusion. He shared that while he may not be married to the term "DEI," in Latin, it stands for "God." Therefore, it should be seen as uplifting rather than something to be destroyed. "In God's vision for the world, there is diversity," he declared.
Warnock also took the time to address Trump's false claims that diversity, equity, and inclusion were the reasons behind a recent tragic plane crash. He defended Bishop Mariann Budde, who had publicly called out Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance for their actions against immigration. When Trump demanded an apology from the Bishop, Warnock stood by her and stated that she had nothing to apologize for. "When the prophet speaks, the prophet doesn't apologize. Those who hear are called to repent," he declared, receiving applause from the congregation.
Warnock's powerful sermon not only addressed the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, but also uplifted the importance of these initiatives in creating a fair and just society. His message resonated with the audience, as he reminded them of the true meaning of DEI and the role it plays in our world.
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