The Preamble of the Constitution tells us why DEI is so important.

[Opening]

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

These words are not just ink on parchment. They are a promise—a covenant that democracy is built not for the few, but for all. And today, we stand at a crossroads, where the strength of that promise depends on our resolve to uphold it.

[Striving for a More Perfect Union]

The opening words of the Preamble are not a declaration of arrival—they are a call to action. A more perfect union reminds us that our democracy is not flawless. We are not where we need to be yet, and perhaps we never will be. But that must never stop us from striving.

Progress is not inevitable. It requires effort. It demands participation. Every generation must take up this responsibility, pushing forward, correcting injustices, and building upon what came before. Democracy is never finished, and complacency is its greatest threat.

[Justice—More Than Fairness, A Commitment to Equity]

Justice must be more than a distant ideal. It must be tangible, woven into the fabric of every community, ensuring that fairness does not mean equal treatment alone, but equitable access to opportunity.

Without equity, justice becomes an empty word.

True democracy demands that we acknowledge the systemic barriers holding people back and actively dismantle them. Voting access, legal representation, fair wages—these are not privileges, they are rights. And rights must not be reserved for those with influence, but guaranteed for all.

[Domestic Tranquility—Inclusion Must Be More Than Presence]

Domestic tranquility is not achieved by silence. It is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of belonging.

We must not settle for inviting voices to the table—we must ensure they have the right to be there and the welcome to speak freely.

Democracy only thrives when all perspectives are fully embraced—not just tolerated, but valued and empowered. Leadership must reflect the full diversity of our nation, ensuring policies are built by the many, not a select few.

[Common Defense—Democracy Must Be Protected By Us All]

The common defense is not just about military strength—it is about defending democracy itself. That means protecting voting rights, standing against disinformation, and ensuring marginalized voices are not drowned out by those who wish them silent.

We cannot allow fear, hate, or complacency to weaken our commitment to progress. Defending democracy is not the responsibility of a few—it is the duty of all.

[General Welfare—A Nation For All, Not Just Some]

Welfare does not mean charity. It means accessibility. It means ensuring every citizen has the ability to thrive.

Healthcare, education, economic opportunity—these are not abstract concepts; they are the foundation of democracy’s promise. And they must be built with equity in mind, ensuring that all communities, especially those historically excluded, have a fair chance at success.

[Liberty—Securing Freedom Through Collective Action]

Liberty is not just the right to exist—it is the right to thrive as your true self. It is not something granted—it is something defended, fought for, and expanded with each generation.

True freedom is the ability to live without being forced into a mold that was not made for you. No one should be pressured into conformity at the cost of their individuality. A democracy that does not protect the right to self-expression, autonomy, and authenticity is not a democracy at all.

If we fail to protect diversity, equity, and inclusion, we fail to secure liberty.

We must challenge oppression wherever it stands. We must amplify voices long ignored. We must ensure the blessings of democracy reach every person—not just in words, but in action.

[Posterity—Our Responsibility to the Future]

Democracy is not just for today—it is a legacy we build for tomorrow. The blessings of liberty are only meaningful if they endure, passed down to each new generation stronger than before.

We cannot afford complacency. Every right we take for granted was fought for by those who came before us. And if we do not defend them, if we do not build upon them, then we fail not only ourselves but all who come after.

Our duty is not just to participate—it is to preserve, to protect, and to prepare the way for the leaders of tomorrow. We must ensure democracy does not fade but flourishes, expanding to serve the voices of future generations.

[Closing Call to Action]

The Constitution was never meant to be static. It is alive, evolving as we strive toward that more perfect union. But democracy is only as strong as the people willing to uphold it.

We cannot wait for the tide to raise all boats—we must be the tide. We must be the force that lifts our communities, strengthens our institutions, and drives progress forward.

So I ask you: Will we let democracy falter under the weight of exclusion, injustice, and complacency?

Or will we stand together, ensuring justice is equitable, inclusion is real, and liberty remains unshaken?

Let us commit—today and every day—to protecting the promise of democracy. Not just for ourselves, but for our future, our children, and every voice still waiting to be heard.