Equity vs. Equality
Do equity and equality mean the same things? If you believe these two words are interchangeable, you aren’t alone.
The two terms seem similar, but they lead people and organizations into different actions and endpoints. Equality refers to providing equal opportunity and the same levels of support each member of an organization. Equity goes a step further, with the organization offering varying levels of support depending upon each person’s background and previous opportunities. Equity focuses on the desire to achieve greater fairness of outcomes.
During June society annually recalls two historic events that occurred because because of a lack of equity – Juneteenth and Pride Month. Brief explanations of these two events are offered with the hope that you’ll have your interest sparked, and you’ll continue your own research to learn more about these important topics. Learning about both of these events will help you discover ways to celebrate your community.
Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to reinforce that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were to be freed. It took over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation became law in January 1863 for the law to be enforced in places like Galveston Texas that were under confederate control.
One year later, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became an annual Jubilee day on June 19. Today, Juneteenth – short for June 19 – is recognized as an official holiday in 47 states.
Juneteenth has become a national moment to give serious reflection on how to best support Black businesses, educate yourself on Black history, celebrate freedom, and pour love into your communities.
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Pride Month
The month of June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month. The first Pride March was held in New York City on June 28, 1970 on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a series of events between police and LGBTQ+ protesters that spanned six days in 1969. Learn more here.
Since 1970, LGBTQ+ individuals have continued to utilize the month of June to bring promote awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and spotlight movements towards equality.
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