Several years after returning from a visit to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, my mind remains fixated on the grace, strength, and courage embodied in this great American heroine. Before this journey, I only partially understood her full story, but now I recognize how much more there is to appreciate.

In an era where urban development is often synonymous with unchecked gentrification and displacement, I believe in a different approach that puts people, sustainability, and inclusivity at the heart of every project. Cities are more than just skylines and infrastructure; they are living, breathing entities shaped by their communities.

I am deeply outraged by the relentless backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in both the public and private sectors. It is more than just rhetoric—it is a direct assault on the hard-fought progress of African Americans in this country.