This study explored the explanations for why Black diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners in higher education between Fall 2020 and Fall 2022. Nine participants participated in semi-structured interviews lasting 60-90 minutes to explore a range of topics including their experience as Black DEI practitioners in higher education, their reasons for leaving DEI work in the field, and what professional opportunities they found outside of DEI work in higher education. The findings of this study show that while impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing anti-Black racial violence experienced between 2020-2022, this unprecedented moment in time only fed preexisting social conditions and was a catalyst that influenced practitioners' decision to depart the field. The data from this study illuminated some common themes amongst Black DEI practitioners regarding their factors for departure, specifically revealing that the microconditions, or the interpersonal dynamics experienced within the workplace, as well as macroconditions, or the institutional and systemic dimensions and barriers that practitioners had to navigate, impacted their ability and desire to remain in their role and the field of higher education entirely. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]