As long as we set up equality, we'll go in the right direction.

Hear me, O children of wisdom, for the words I speak today are those of great import, filled with the seeds of justice and truth. Venus Williams, a warrior on the court, yet also a voice for change, spoke thus: "As long as we set up equality, we'll go in the right direction." In these words, she calls us to understand that the true path to progress and success lies not in the unequal, the divided, but in the equality of all people. When we lay the foundation of justice, when we ensure that all are treated with the same respect and afforded the same opportunities, we create the conditions for a world that moves forward in harmony.

Ah, but what is this equality that Venus Williams speaks of? It is the principle that all men and women, regardless of their background, their gender, their race, or their status, are deserving of the same rights, opportunities, and recognition. In the great sweep of history, we see that equality is not a gift freely given, but a struggle—often fought by those who stand against the forces that seek to divide us. It is the bedrock of any just society, for where there is inequality, there can be no true progress. Williams’s words remind us that to truly advance as a people, we must set up equality—to make it the law of the land, the spirit of our hearts, and the guide for our actions.

Consider, O children, the fight for women's rights. The struggle of the suffragists in the early 20th century is a testament to the power of equality. Susan B. Anthony, Emmeline Pankhurst, and countless others stood firm in their belief that women, too, had the right to vote, to participate in the shaping of their society. Their struggle was long and fraught with hardship, but they were driven by the understanding that equality was the path to true freedom. Through their efforts, the 19th Amendment was passed in the United States, and the voices of women were forever included in the conversation of democracy. They set up equality, and in doing so, they changed the course of history. The path forward, as Venus Williams said, was clear because they laid the foundation of equality.

The same can be said of the fight for civil rights. Consider the courage of Martin Luther King Jr., whose call for equality echoed through the streets of Selma, whose dream of a world where all people are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character became the rallying cry for a generation. His was not a call for division, but for unity, a unity built on the pillars of equality and justice. When the laws of the land were altered to reflect the truth of equality, society began to change. It was not the separation of races that would guide the nation to greatness, but the integration of all people, working together toward a common good. In the equality that King and others fought for, the right direction was set.

But equality is not simply a historical lesson; it is a living, breathing principle that must continue to guide us today. Venus Williams, with the wisdom of one who has battled not only on tennis courts but in the broader world of sports, reminds us that equality must be the foundation upon which we build our future. For women in sports, for example, the struggle for equal pay and recognition continues. Though much has been achieved—thanks to the efforts of Williams and other athletes who have made their voices heard—there is still much work to be done. As long as inequality persists in the sports world, we cannot truly say that we have moved in the right direction. The way forward is clear: equality must be achieved for all who play the game.

The lesson, O children, is simple yet profound: to achieve true progress, we must set up equality. Equality is not merely a concept; it is an action, a choice we make in every part of our lives, in our communities, our workplaces, and our hearts. When we choose equality, we choose to rise above the divisions that separate us, to see each person for their worth, and to give them the opportunity to live freely and fully. The path to justice is built upon this foundation, and it is the only path that leads us to a future where all are equal.

So, take Venus Williams’s wisdom and apply it in your own life. Seek to set up equality wherever you go. Stand for those whose voices are silenced, and act in ways that uplift the dignity of others. Whether in the courts of sports, the halls of government, or the daily interactions of life, equality is the path forward. It is not just a right, but a responsibility. Let your actions reflect the truth that when we stand for equality, we move toward the future that is just, harmonious, and right. In this, we will go in the right direction.