In a powerful and impassioned speech, Rep. Jasmine Crockett challenged her Republican colleagues on their views regarding oppression, diversity, and racial equity in America. Crockett didn’t hold back, calling out those on the right who claim to be oppressed, especially when it comes to white men trying to argue they’re the ones suffering in today’s society.
Drawing from her background in business and civil rights law, Crockett made an airtight case for why diversity is not only a moral necessity but also a business advantage. She compared the idea of diversity to an investor building a diversified financial portfolio, where different assets with different strengths work together to create the best overall outcome.
As she took aim at her Republican colleagues, Crockett boldly stated that white men in America do not understand the true meaning of oppression. She argued that they’ve never experienced the kind of prolonged, cruel, or unjust treatment that people of color have faced throughout history, particularly Black Americans. Crockett called out the audacity of white men on the right who dare to claim oppression when they’ve never been stolen from their homes and forced into slavery like Black Americans were.
She pointed out that slavery wasn’t just some historical relic—it’s something that’s still part of the fabric of America’s identity. As a Black woman, Crockett made it clear that oppression isn’t just about what’s happening today; it’s about recognizing the historical trauma that still impacts communities of color.
But Crockett didn’t stop there. She turned the conversation to the current state of politics and the underrepresentation of people of color, especially Black women. She emphasized that while white men make up just 30% of the U.S. population, they hold an astounding 62% of positions in office. Crockett pointed out that she’s only the 55th Black woman ever elected to Congress, showing how far we still have to go to achieve real diversity in leadership.
As the GOP continues to push anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) bills, Crockett hammered home a simple truth: diversity works. She referenced research that shows companies with diverse teams outperform their competitors. In fact, studies show that companies in the top quartile for racial diversity are 35% more likely to outperform their peers on profitability. Diverse teams in executive roles also generate higher profits—by a 25% margin. Crockett argued that this is evidence that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do morally—it’s a strategic advantage.
Her speech wasn’t just a call for social change; it was a call for economic progress. As she pointed out, America is losing GDP every time we fail to embrace diversity. But beyond the numbers and the policies, Crockett’s message was clear: we can’t move forward as a nation until we confront racism head-on and recognize the ongoing struggles that people of color face every day.
In the face of resistance from Republicans, who often downplay the significance of racial inequality, Crockett demanded a national conversation based on facts, data, and evidence, rather than emotional rhetoric or ideological talking points. She called on everyone to recognize the importance of building a more inclusive society, where every individual has the opportunity to succeed based on their abilities, not their race.
Jasmine Crockett’s speech isn’t just a moment of political rhetoric—it’s a call to action. She’s asking us to confront the ugly truths about America’s history and make sure that diversity becomes a driving force for the country’s future success.