5 Things / Mic Drop
This week my partner said something incredibly wise to me when we were talking about the kids’ rules. She said, “what I’ve come to realize is that it should be about equity, not equality."
That was a mic drop moment for me. By that, she meant that each kid should be treated according to their own unique needs. Of course. The kid who gets overstimulated has different needs than the one who is a hardcore extrovert.
Of course. I remember at work. I forget at home. Anyone else? Or vice versa?
Equity, not equality. Since my business is Equality Institute, I’ll quickly define those terms. Equality (“the condition of being equal”) simply isn’t possible without equity (“more for those who need it”) first. I see equality as an aspirational outcome. I’m an aspirational kind of person. Let’s get to it.
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
Food Lion Has Made Working With Owners From Underrepresented Groups Part of Its Day-To-Day Sourcing Processes
Supplier diversity is awesome in theory. The reality is trickier, but Food Lion has a great system for it that’s outlined here. They not only proactively connect with diverse CPG suppliers (many of whom they source in communities local to their stores), but then the company amplifies those brands with specific and regular promotions in print and online. This matters because supplier diversity is an example of equity - giving a leg up and additional opportunities to those who have been traditionally excluded.
The ANA Membership Assembly Took Historic Action by Unanimously Voting ‘Yes’ to Adopt The ANA Racial Reckoning Statement
The American Nursing Association shared its racial reckoning this week by writing, “There is much that can be said about ANA’s history and failure to include and represent the views and needs of nurses of color.” They then shared detailed and devastating examples of those failures. ANA asked for forgiveness and outlined steps on how they’ll move forward. They want to make it right. This matters because it shows that the impact of the racial justice uprisings of 2020 is still being felt. It reminds me that organizations are still doing the work, and yes, it’s slow. Progress is slow.
IOC Reinstates Jim Thorpe as Sole Winner of 1912 Olympic Decathlon and Pentathlon
The International Olympic Committee gave Jim Thorpe his gold medals back. The Native American athlete and member of the Sac and Fox nation was stripped of his 1912 decathlon and pentathlon medals for playing minor league baseball from 1909-1910. The decision was controversial for years, particularly among Native Americans who celebrate Jim as a hero. This matters because the IOC made it right. It’s never too late to make it right.
Once Neglected, Dei Initiatives Now Present at All Fortune 100 Companies
Every single Fortune 100 company has made a public commitment to DEI, with specific commitments outlined on their websites. Board diversity has increased significantly within those companies as well, with 200 of the Fortune 500 having Boards that are at least 40% “diverse”. This matters because many of these companies are modeling progressive policies that I share right here…
Top Russian Tennis Player Daria Kasatkina Comes Out as Gay
Daria Kasatkina, the 12th-ranked women’s professional tennis player in the world has come out as gay. The Russian player also spoke out against the anti-gay laws in Russia and the country’s invasion of Ukraine. But what I love is what she said: "Living in the closet is impossible. It is too hard, it is pointless. Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters." Indeed it is.
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