A few years ago, I discovered two historical documents that changed how I viewed myself forever: one, a bill of sale that contained the names of my enslaved third- and fourth-great-grandfathers, and the other, an application for a Civil War pension that my third great-grandfather submitted after he was injured fighting on behalf of the Union.  

Why do these documents matter?

As I reflect upon the current state of affairs in this country, specifically the sustained attacks on DEI efforts and their chilling effects, it’s easy to find oneself fearful and disillusioned. Why should any of us continue to stay the course when the forces arrayed against us seem insurmountable and invincible?  Despair is entirely understandable.

My family’s history serves as a powerful reminder of why the struggle for justice matters, and why I must stay the course despite all the obstacles.

However, when I reflect upon my role as a leader in the DEI space, my family’s history serves as a powerful reminder of why the struggle for justice matters, and why I must stay the course despite all the obstacles. I am here because others fought and died to ensure that I would never have to experience the horrors of enslavement.

When I see it in this light, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of awe and gratitude, which are the much-needed antidotes to fear, despair, and cynicism that often exert a powerful pull on my psyche. I am renewed and energized because I know that I honor my ancestors when I do my part to bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice.  And then I come to understand that I’m not simply a lone individual but rather someone who is, in the words of the great author Alice Walker, the one I/we have been waiting for.

Ben Perkins is Founder & CEO of Upstream Impact Solutions Consulting, LLC, a graduate of the LeadBoston class of 2015, and a member of the YW Boston Board of Directors.