The difference between equity and equality is that equality is everyone get the same thing and equity is everyone get the things they deserve.

DeRay Mckesson's quote highlights the important distinction between equity and equality, two concepts often misunderstood or used interchangeably. Equality is described as treating everyone the same, where each individual receives the same thing regardless of their unique circumstances. The idea behind equality is that everyone should have the same opportunities and resources, but it does not account for existing disparities or differing needs among individuals or groups.

In contrast, equity is defined as giving people what they deserve, which involves recognizing and addressing the unequal starting points that exist due to factors like race, socioeconomic status, or historical disadvantage. Mckesson’s explanation of equity emphasizes the importance of fairness and the need to tailor support and resources based on people’s individual needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Equity aims to create fairness by ensuring that everyone has what they need to succeed, acknowledging that different people start from different places.

The origin of this quote stems from Mckesson's work as a social activist and one of the prominent voices in the Black Lives Matter movement. Throughout his activism, Mckesson has highlighted the systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities, especially African Americans, and stressed the importance of focusing on equity to address these disparities. His work revolves around pushing for policies and practices that go beyond simple equality and instead aim to level the playing field, allowing people to thrive based on their actual needs and circumstances.

Mckesson’s explanation of equity versus equality serves as a call for a deeper understanding of social justice, advocating for solutions that are not only equal in appearance but just in their impact. By framing the distinction in such clear terms, he challenges people to think critically about what true fairness looks like in society, especially when addressing historical and systemic inequalities.