From Civil Rights to Silver Rights: Why Ownership is the Key to True Diversity & Inclusion. Redefining DEI Through The Where Factor
For years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been a corporate buzzword. Companies have implemented DEI initiatives, held trainings, and promoted diverse hiring. Yet, despite all these efforts, many people feel that nothing has truly changed.
Why? Because the traditional DEI model was built on access, not ownership. It promoted civil rights, not silver rights—as John Hope Bryant says. And without ownership, DEI is just a temporary seat at someone else’s table, not true power.
So, here’s the real question: What if we replaced “Equity” with “Ownership”? What if DEI wasn’t just about representation, but about controlling the systems we participate in?
Why Traditional DEI Failed
Traditional DEI efforts failed because they:
• Focused on hiring diversity but not empowering ownership.
• Were philanthropy-based rather than capitalism-based.
• Created short-term opportunities instead of long-term generational wealth.
This is why many diversity programs feel performative. They focus on getting a seat at the table instead of owning the building where the table sits.
When you own where you work, where you shop, and what you consume, you don’t have to beg for a voice—you already have one.
Ownership creates diversity and inclusion by default.
The Power of Ownership
This is where The Where Factor comes in:
• Where do we want to go?
• A world where DEI isn’t just about being included—it’s about controlling resources, making decisions, and building generational wealth.
• Why is that important?
• Because real influence doesn’t come from having a “seat at the table”—it comes from owning the table. When ownership is diverse, so are the ideas, leadership, and economic opportunities.
• What steps can we take to get there?
• Shift the conversation from jobs to equity and business ownership.
• Invest in businesses and companies that align with your values.
• Own where you shop, eat, and do business whenever possible.
How to Redefine DEI with Ownership
1. Consume With Ownership in Mind
• Instead of just spending money at companies that don’t align with you, ask: Can I own a stake in this business?
• Invest in stocks of the companies you shop from.
• Support businesses that are owned by diverse leaders, not just those that hire diverse employees.
2. Build and Buy Instead of Just Applying
• The old DEI model says: “Let’s get hired.”
• The new ownership model says: “Let’s get funded.”
• Instead of waiting for inclusion, create companies and industries where inclusion happens naturally.
3. Shift From Civil Rights to Silver Rights
• Civil Rights fought for access; Silver Rights fight for assets.
• The future of true economic empowerment is ownership, not representation.
• Instead of asking for a better salary, ask: “How can I own shares? How can I start my own?”
So, I’ll ask you: Are you building wealth, or just collecting paychecks?
Take a step back and apply The Where Factor to your financial journey:
• Where do you want your money to go?
• Why does ownership matter in your life?
• What’s one step you can take today to shift from consumer to owner?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your experience—I’d love to hear how you’re building ownership in your life.
Key Takeaway:
As John Hope Bryant teaches, “Silver Rights” is the next step beyond Civil Rights—because economic power creates true freedom. Diversity and inclusion aren’t given; they’re created through ownership. The future of DEI isn’t just about being included in someone else’s system. It’s about owning the system. Own where you work. Own where you shop. Own where you spend. Ownership isn’t just equity—it’s power.
📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.
📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.l
– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:
www.TheChrisChaney.com 
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