I remember the year 2020, the year when the world was ablaze with protests and cries for justice. I was just a young intern then, fresh out of college, working for one of those big tech companies that made grand promises about diversity. Now, three years later, I find myself in the heart of the very same system, not as an intern, but as an investigator. The promises made by these companies are now shadows, and I’m the one who has to uncover the truth.

As I step into the sleek, glass-walled office of my boss, Mr. Johnson, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. The room is adorned with awards and accolades, a testament to the success of the company. But behind those shiny surfaces, I know there are secrets lurking, waiting to be exposed.

“Good morning, Ms. Anderson,” Mr. Johnson greets me with a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I trust you’ve been keeping up with the latest developments?”

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. “Yes, sir. I’ve been going through the reports and compiling the data. It’s clear that there’s a discrepancy between the diversity commitments made by these companies and the actual representation within their ranks.”

Mr. Johnson leans back in his chair, his expression grave. “That’s exactly why I brought you on board, Ms. Anderson. We need someone who can dig deep, someone who can uncover the truth. These companies have been getting away with empty promises for far too long.”

I feel a surge of determination coursing through my veins. This is my chance to make a difference, to expose the corruption and bring justice to those who have been wronged. I won’t let them down.

Unveiling the Shadows

Armed with my laptop and a stack of files, I dive headfirst into the investigation. The first company on my list is Sequoia, one of the biggest players in the tech industry. They had made commitments to build a more inclusive team and work with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to diversify their limited partner pipeline.

I reach out to Sequoia, requesting a meeting to discuss their progress. Surprisingly, they agree to meet with me, albeit with some reluctance. As I step into their sleek, high-rise office, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Will they be the exception, the company that actually kept their word?

The meeting room is filled with executives, all dressed in expensive suits and exuding an air of confidence. I take a seat at the head of the table, my heart pounding in my chest. The room falls silent as all eyes turn to me.

“Ms. Anderson, thank you for joining us,” the CEO, Mr. Thompson, says with a polite smile. “We understand your concerns and are committed to transparency. We have indeed made progress in diversifying our team and working with HBCUs.”

I lean forward, my eyes locked with his. “Can you provide me with concrete evidence of your efforts? Numbers, statistics, anything that proves your commitment is more than just empty words?”

Mr. Thompson nods, signaling to his assistant who hands me a thick folder. “These are the reports detailing our initiatives, partnerships, and the progress we’ve made so far. We believe in holding ourselves accountable, and we welcome your scrutiny.”

I open the folder, my eyes scanning the pages filled with data and charts. It’s clear that Sequoia has made significant strides in diversifying their team and investing in HBCUs. I can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there are companies out there who are genuinely committed to change.

Shadows of Deceit

Buoyed by the progress I’ve seen at Sequoia, I continue my investigation, delving deeper into the world of tech companies and their diversity commitments. But as I peel back the layers, I realize that the shadows of deceit run deeper than I could have ever imagined.

One by one, I meet with executives, HR representatives, and employees from various companies. Some are cooperative, providing me with the information I need to assess their progress. Others are evasive, deflecting my questions and hiding behind carefully crafted PR statements.

It becomes clear that many of these companies have used diversity commitments as nothing more than a marketing ploy. They hire a few token individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, plaster their faces on their websites, and claim victory. But behind closed doors, the culture remains unchanged, and the voices of those who truly need to be heard are silenced.

I can’t help but feel a sense of anger and frustration. These companies have the power to make a real difference, to create opportunities for those who have been marginalized for far too long. But instead, they choose to prioritize profit over people, perpetuating a system of inequality and injustice.

As I compile my findings, I realize that I’m not just uncovering the truth about these companies. I’m also uncovering the truth about myself. The fire within me burns brighter than ever, fueled by a determination to expose the corruption and fight for justice.

Shadows of Resistance

Armed with the evidence I’ve gathered, I prepare to release my findings to the world. But as I sit in front of my laptop, ready to hit the send button, a wave of doubt washes over me. Will anyone care? Will anyone listen?

I take a deep breath, reminding myself of the countless individuals who have been affected by these empty promises. They deserve to be heard, and I will be their voice.

I click send, and within minutes, the article is live. The response is overwhelming. People from all walks of life share their stories, their frustrations, and their hopes for a better future. The article goes viral, spreading like wildfire across social media platforms and news outlets.

But with the attention comes resistance. The companies I’ve exposed launch a smear campaign, attempting to discredit me and undermine the validity of my findings. They claim that I have an agenda, that I’m just trying to bring them down.

I refuse to be silenced. I stand firm in the face of their attacks, knowing that the truth is on my side. I continue to gather evidence, reaching out to whistleblowers and uncovering even more corruption within these companies.

The fight is far from over, but I’m not alone. People from all corners of the world join me in demanding change. Together, we form a movement, a force that cannot be ignored.

As the shadows of deceit begin to crumble, a new dawn emerges. A future where diversity is not just a buzzword, but a reality. A future where justice prevails, and the voices of the marginalized are finally heard. And I, as an investigator, will continue to shine a light on the shadows, until that future becomes a reality.

The Source

This small novel was automatically created by processing the news article “3 years after BLM, here’s who stuck to their diversity commitments” published by TechCrunch. This novel is generated using a collection of recipes, generative AI, and the touch of a human (when time allows).

This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the Generative AI algorithm “imagination” or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.