Biden’s New Executive Orders Signify a Beacon of Hope and True Allyship for 2021

Words by Kirstyn Nimmo

Kirstyn Nimmo

On January 20, 2021, the nation and the world watched as a divisive administration came to an end, and hope was once again restored for many American citizens, especially members of historically underrepresented communities. Under the new Administration, President Joe Biden has signed an array of executive orders, one of which commit to doing more for people of color by advancing racial equity and support through the federal government. Signed on Inauguration Day, declaring that “diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths” and acknowledges that the American Dream is not as accessible as it should be. Naming the “Black, Latino, indigenous and Native American” communities among others, this executive order declares intentions to consult with members of underrepresented groups in “closing racial gaps in wages, housing credit, [and] lending opportunities”, and fighting poverty and inequality.

Through this effort, the Administration will attempt to remove (or reduce) systemic barriers, provide equal access to opportunities and benefits, and develop policies designed to advance equity for those groups. This is seen as urgent and necessary by many who witnessed the unfathomable events of 2020, a year where murders of Black citizens by police went unpunished due to failures of the justice system, and communities of color felt the loss of loved ones and the loss of economic livelihood at disproportionate rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Biden administration shows hopeful signs of “allyship”, a buzzword heard by many in the wake of 2020’s racial justice protests. While allyship suggests solidarity, allyship must be backed by action in order to drive change and includes:

Learning (and unlearning) through education and listening.
Accountability and reflection on an individual’s own biases. Discovering blind spots and opportunities for growth.
Developing comfort with discomfort.
Tracking progress towards measurable goals.
Constantly pivoting and optimizing.

The Biden Administration has demonstrated these principles by proactively working to reverse unjust policies introduced over the last four years, and by committing to advance equity for all. It’s important to remember that executive orders reflect the priorities of the President, and act as law without the consent of Congress. Therefore, they can still meet resistance in their implementation. History teaches us that Executive Orders are significant, but bipartisan legislation offers pathways to more lasting change. Each of us can be effective allies by applying pressure on the local level to ensure that these laws are implemented in our communities in ways that reflect the intentions of the President.

As a leader in the fight for racial and social justice, I am proud to be a voice for communities of color. At my company, GOOD WORX, I build allyship solutions that equip both companies and communities to generate equity, act with accountability, and shift culture toward real equality. The fight for racial and social equity continues and 2021 is a year that is already filled with hope for a nationwide movement to correct past wrongs. Let’s each play our part in helping an allyship mindset drive our country forward.

About the Author:

Kirstyn Nimmo is the Founder of, GOOD WORX, a social innovation consultancy that creates turnkey allyship solutions that equip companies and communities to generate equity, act with accountability, and shift culture toward equality. In today’s climate, businesses are understanding the urgency of the issues facing underrepresented communities and that their influence can play a positive role in meeting society’s biggest challenges. Through allyship and anti-racism action, GOOD WORX partners with today’s top brands to play a role in fighting racial inequality.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.