DON’T BACK DOWN: Fort Worth Pastors Stand Firm for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

DON’T BACK DOWN: Fort Worth Pastors Stand Firm for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — In a bold show of unity and conviction, the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas has officially voted to support the City of Fort Worth’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program, urging city leaders not to retreat in the face of political pressure.

“We don’t bow to bullies,” said Rev. Kyev Tatum, pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and president of the coalition. “If ‘Y’all Means All,’ then we must protect all—not just some—of Fort Worth’s residents. DEI is not a threat to our future; it is a cornerstone of a just society.”

This public declaration comes just days after the Fort Worth City Council voted 9–2 to delay a resolution that would have suspended the city’s DEI office and programs aimed at supporting minority- and women-owned businesses. The proposal was tied to compliance with a federal executive order from former President Donald Trump, threatening federal funding for municipalities that continue DEI efforts.

While the vote was postponed, the proposal’s implications have ignited deep concern across Fort Worth’s Black clergy and community leaders. Many see this as an alarming rollback of hard-fought civil rights protections and economic equity strategies.

“We remember what it was like before the Civil Rights Act,” said Pastor Tatum. “We will not allow Fort Worth to be dragged backward to the 1950s and 60s. DEI is not about politics—it’s about people. It’s about progress. It’s about fairness.”

The coalition’s statement is a direct call to Fort Worth’s city leaders to remain steadfast in the belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not optional—they are essential to a thriving, representative democracy.

Councilmembers Charlie Lauersdorf and Macy Hill voted against the delay. Lauersdorf cited fiscal concerns over DEI programming but admitted diversity was “the right thing.” Hill offered no public comment.

Despite the uncertainty, Pastor Tatum and others remain hopeful. “Fort Worth is better than this,” he said. “We have over a million people in this city, and many of them depend on us to stand up for justice. We are asking our leaders not to back down.”

The future of Fort Worth’s DEI department now hangs in the balance. But if today’s vote by the Ministers Justice Coalition is any indication, the fight for inclusion in Fort Worth is far from over.