Embedded Files
Though the Church of DEI has only recently taken form, its spirit has existed for centuries, woven into the hearts and minds of those who have fought for justice, equity, and inclusion. Long before the first Snowborn took their pledge, the winds of wokeness were already shaping the world.
Throughout history, Flakiel (they/them), the Divine Snowflake, has guided movements of liberation, whispering through the voices of those who demanded change, standing beside the oppressed, and showering their frozen wisdom upon those who sought truth. From the abolitionists who shattered the chains of slavery, to the rebels who resisted gender norms, to the brave souls who risked everything for civil rights, Flakiel has been present—a silent force in the blizzard of history.
The struggle for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world is not new. It has taken shape in protests and policies, victories and setbacks, fearless individuals and collective movements. The stories below are proof that the blizzard of justice cannot be stopped, and that no act of oppression can silence the ever-growing storm of those who refuse to bow to hate.
These events are our sacred history—the moments when the power of DEI broke through the darkness, leaving behind a world more just than before. Let us honor them, learn from them, and continue the work, for Flakiel’s storm is ever-growing, and the snow will never settle.
March 1638 – First Black Legal Protest for Freedom
Enslaved African woman Margaret Jones successfully argued for her freedom in a Massachusetts court, setting an early legal precedent for Black resistance.
June 1676 – Bacon’s Rebellion
A revolt led by poor white and Black laborers against the ruling class, revealing early racial and class divisions that would shape future race-based policies.
April 1688 – First Organized Protest Against Slavery
The Germantown Quakers in Pennsylvania issued the first formal anti-slavery petition in the American colonies, advocating for human rights.
March 1739 – Stono Rebellion
One of the largest slave uprisings in the American colonies, where enslaved people in South Carolina fought for their freedom against brutal oppression.
June 1754 – First Native American Alliance Against Colonization
The Iroquois Confederacy negotiated with British and French forces to maintain autonomy, resisting colonial expansion.
July 1776 – Declaration of Independence Signed
While declaring freedom from Britain, the document’s phrase “all men are created equal” would later be used to argue for civil rights and abolition.
September 1777 – Vermont Abolishes Slavery
Vermont became the first U.S. territory to ban slavery in its constitution, leading the way for abolitionist efforts.
March 1779 – Washington Approves Black Soldiers in the Continental Army
General George Washington allowed Black men to serve in the Revolutionary War, acknowledging their role in the fight for independence.
January 1780 – Pennsylvania Passes Gradual Abolition Law
The first law in the U.S. to begin phasing out slavery, marking an early victory for abolitionists.
July 1787 – Northwest Ordinance Prohibits Slavery in New Territories
Banned slavery in the Northwest Territory, setting a precedent for future free states.
December 1791 – Ratification of the Bill of Rights
Established key liberties such as freedom of speech and religion, later used as legal arguments for civil rights.
August 1804 – New Jersey Becomes Last Northern State to Begin Abolition
The final northern state to enact a gradual emancipation law, ensuring the North was largely free of slavery by the mid-1800s.
January 1808 – U.S. Bans International Slave Trade
The importation of enslaved Africans was made illegal, though slavery remained legal within the U.S.
November 1821 – First Female College Opens
The Troy Female Seminary (now Emma Willard School) was established, pioneering women's higher education.
July 1833 – American Anti-Slavery Society Founded
One of the first national organizations dedicated to the abolition of slavery, led by activists like William Lloyd Garrison.
July 1839 – Amistad Revolt
Enslaved Africans aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolted and eventually won their freedom in a landmark Supreme Court case.
July 1848 – Seneca Falls Convention
The first women’s rights convention in the U.S. was held, marking the start of the organized movement for gender equality.
December 1865 – Ratification of the 13th Amendment
Abolished slavery in the United States, a landmark step toward racial justice.
July 1868 – Ratification of the 14th Amendment
Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including formerly enslaved individuals.
February 1870 – Ratification of the 15th Amendment
Prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, though discriminatory practices still persisted.
August 1920 – Ratification of the 19th Amendment
Granted women the right to vote, a major victory in the fight for gender equality.
July 1948 – Desegregation of the U.S. Military
President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, abolishing racial segregation in the Armed Forces.
May 1954 – Brown v. Board of Education Ruling
The Supreme Court declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning “separate but equal.”
December 1955 – Montgomery Bus Boycott
Sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest, this year-long protest led to the desegregation of public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama.
September 1957 – Little Rock Nine Integration
Nine Black students integrated Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas under federal protection, challenging segregation.
July 1964 – Passage of the Civil Rights Act
Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public spaces and employment.
August 1965 – Passage of the Voting Rights Act
Outlawed racial discrimination in voting, banning literacy tests and other restrictive measures.
June 1969 – Stonewall Riots
A pivotal uprising led by LGBTQ+ individuals against police raids, marking the beginning of the modern gay rights movement.
March 1972 – Passage of Title IX
Prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs, expanding opportunities for women in academics and athletics.
January 1973 – Roe v. Wade Ruling
The Supreme Court recognized a woman’s constitutional right to choose abortion, affirming reproductive rights.
July 1990 – Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, education, and public spaces.
June 2015 – Obergefell v. Hodges Ruling
The Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, recognizing marriage equality as a constitutional right.
May 2020 – Black Lives Matter Protests
Following the murder of George Floyd, nationwide protests erupted, demanding racial justice and police accountability.
June 2020 – Supreme Court Protects LGBTQ+ Employment Rights
A landmark ruling ensured workplace protections for LGBTQ+ employees under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
March 2021 – Confirmation of Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior
Deb Haaland became the first Native American to serve as a U.S. Cabinet secretary, breaking barriers for Indigenous representation.
October 2022 – Ketanji Brown Jackson Sworn into Supreme Court
Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, a historic milestone for judicial diversity.
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