What is Racial Equity?

Racial equity means nothing less than a world in which no one's racial identity or heritage represents a negative factor in his or her pursuit of happiness and prosperity. Because of historical actions and attitudes, as well as those that persist to this day, people of color remain at a societal disadvantage - economically, socially, professionally and culturally.

Steps to reverse these effects in recent generations have been welcome, but the impact has not been eliminated, and more needs to be done.

To the extent that conscious or unconscious attitudes and actions persist to prevent the realization of this vision, forward-thinking organizations need policies, strategies and action plans to overcome the impact of the deeply embedded inequities in institutions/systems and ensure outcomes that achieve racial equity.

Racial equity is a condition in which systematic discrimination, which leads to the widespread tragedy of poor life outcomes, has been overcome by positive action. While those committed to justice cannot change every person's attitude, nor can we eliminate all ignorance, we can empower those who seek racial equity with knowledge and tools to ensure success.

Anyone who doubted the power of the Civil Rights Movement saw the folly of underestimating those who act in the service of justice. By implementing effective policies and embracing forward-thinking strategies, organizations of today can achieve the same kind of breakthrough.