Why Equity is Essential for People of Color
The needs of Black, Brown, and white women are not — and cannot be — the same. Take a moment to visualize this: imagine an image of two women, one white and one Black, and one man. Equality would mean giving both women the same tools and resources as men. But for people who face intersectional oppression, equality alone isn’t enough. It doesn’t account for the unique, historical barriers that people of color (POCs) have faced, barriers that have limited their access to the same social, economic, and political opportunities.
For instance, Black communities have endured generations of slavery, segregation, and discrimination. These painful histories haven’t just disappeared; they’ve had lasting effects, impacting the opportunities and resources available to Black and Brown communities today. Equality might work between white men and women because they share similar historical backgrounds, but for POCs, it’s more complicated.
Why Equity Matters More Than Equality
Equity recognizes that different people start from different places. It’s about giving people the resources they specifically need to succeed and removing the barriers that have held them back. For marginalized groups, especially Black and Brown people, equity means addressing the deep-rooted inequalities that have been baked into society.
Equity focuses on targeted interventions — policies and actions that directly address these systemic barriers. For example, that could mean supporting programs that help POC entrepreneurs or prioritizing diversity in hiring practices to make workplaces more inclusive.
How We Can Work Towards Equity
To White Allies:
- Educate Yourself on Systemic Racism: Learn about the history and impacts of systemic racism on POC communities. This can help you understand the struggles many Black and Brown people face today.
- Listen and Engage: Actively listen to the experiences of POCs. Engage in conversations that might challenge your assumptions, and be open to learning. Make spaces inclusive by hiring and fairly compensating POC, and create environments where they feel heard and safe.
- Speak Up: Use your voice to stand against racism. Whether it’s at work, school, or among friends, calling out racist behaviors and advocating for change can make a big difference.
To the Black Community:
- Decolonize and Take Up Space: Make your voice heard. Speak about the systemic issues that affect your communities and advocate for equity.
- Mentor and Support Others: By sharing your experiences, you can help younger generations navigate barriers and access opportunities.
- Practice Self-Care: Take care of your mental and physical health. Self-care can keep you focused and energized for the ongoing work of dismantling barriers.
And, most importantly, live. Shine your light and talents for the world to see! Equity isn’t just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about creating space for everyone to thrive