We begin this discourse stating that equity is not the same as  equality or justice, two terms that are frequently used by people who desire fairness and just treatment for all people. These terms should not be used interchangeably because they have different meanings.
     It is true that these three terms have something in common but they do not mean the same. Most important is pursing the inappropriate term at this time in history can continue to delay or deny fair and just treatment and the distribution of resources for people who are entitled to receive them.
      Justice. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary  "Justice is the Maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishment." We can add in being an American citizen.
       Equality. Equality recognizes that each person or group of people is given the same resources or opportumity. In effect it means equality of opportunity. equality of participation and equality of achievement. We can add according to a person's ability, need and interest.
      Equity. Equity recognizes that each person or group has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach a comparable or equal outcome. It more than suggest having an equitable piece of the pie.
    At this particular time in history, and it is long overdue, when many people, especially African Americans as a group or race, beginning with slavery and continuing with Jim Crow, disfranchisement and systemic racism are great in the American Society at the present time account for more millionaires and billionaires than ever on the one hand and on the other hand more homeless people and poverty, especially for African Americans and so-called 'people of color', than in prior centuries.
     This is definitely not the time to focus on equality or justice. The focus should be and there has never been a better time to focus on "the arc of divinity within bending toward equity." What didn't happen in four centuries can now happen. Therefore, let us lose no time or energy focusing on equality but instead "strike the iron while it is hot," so to speak, on equity - having an equitable piece of the pie. Succinctly, let us pursue equity with audacity and tenacity. This is no time for pussyfooting or cowardice.
    My final message for African Americans in particular and all Americans in general: commit yourselves to pursue equity in employment, education and every area of human endeavor. In some instances this means invoking the quota system. After all, one vote for one person is in principle if not in practice the quota system actualized. Imagine or supposed having black policemen in predominantly black communities were "quotaized". NO PEACE WITHOUT A PIECE.

Copyright 2021 by Uriah J. Fields