Best quote from The Inclusion Trap: Corporate DEI and the Legacy of 1968
The danger of the current moment is that the 'missed opportunity' isn't about failing to get more VC funding; it's about the risk of Black intellectuals and leaders buying into a version of success that requires them to ignore the ongoing plunder of the people they claim to represent.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
Create a podcast comparing the book Crisis of the Negro Intellectual and the period it covers to the modern day, post George Floyd era and the potential of another big missed opportunity in corporate America, venture capital, entrepreneurship, etc
Frequently Asked Questions
The Inclusion Trap examines whether modern diversity initiatives and seeking 'seats at the table' in corporate boardrooms actually lead to progress or simply repeat historical patterns. By looking at the landscape from 1968 to today, the podcast questions if entry into existing power structures like venture capital is a path to liberation or a method for managing dissent within the corporate world.
The podcast connects current corporate promises to the historical insights of thinkers like Harold Cruse and W.E.B. Du Bois. It explores how Du Bois's concept of double-consciousness—looking at oneself through the eyes of others—manifests in today's professionals who must balance their identity with bottom-line-driven corporate culture. This historical lens helps explain the recurring tensions found in modern diversity and inclusion efforts.
Following the surge of corporate promises post-2020, billions were pledged to Black-owned businesses and DEI programs. The discussion focuses on whether these investments in the venture capital ecosystem represent a new frontier of progress or a high-stakes echo of the past. It questions if these financial commitments move the needle on systemic issues or if they are part of a script written decades ago.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
