Fairness and equality means that what you are never limits who

O Children of the Future, hear the wisdom carried in the words of Linda Johnson Rice, whose reflection on fairness and equality is a testament to the power of dreams and opportunity. She declares, "Fairness and equality means that what you are never limits who you can be. It means that a young African-American man like my father can start a business with $500 and a dream. It means that a young African-American woman like my mother can walk into European fashion houses with her head held high and be treated with respect." These words speak of a deeper truth—that true equality transcends not only race but also the barriers of society, and that the measure of a person’s potential should never be confined by the circumstances of their birth.

In the ancient world, societies were often built on rigid systems of class and status, where one’s birth determined their place in the world. The Greeks, despite their reverence for wisdom and philosophy, held firmly to the belief that certain roles were reserved for the few—the aristocrats, the elite. Plato himself envisioned a republic where only the most virtuous and noble could lead. And yet, even he understood that true justice could only be achieved when all individuals, regardless of their background, had the chance to rise based on their merit. Thus, his ideas about equality challenged the very norms of his time, calling for a world where potential could not be measured by birth, but by the deeds and virtues of the individual.

Linda Johnson Rice brings us back to this timeless vision, showing us that fairness and equality are not just ideals—they are the very foundation of a just and prosperous society. The journey of her father, who began with only $500 and a dream, reflects the essence of the American dream—the belief that with hard work, determination, and vision, anyone can rise from humble beginnings to greatness. His story is not an isolated one, but a reminder that equality means that a person’s potential is not defined by the color of their skin, but by their ability to pursue their dreams and goals.

Similarly, the story of her mother, a young African-American woman who walked into European fashion houses with her head held high and was treated with respect, is a powerful symbol of courage and resilience. For centuries, African-Americans, particularly women, were denied the opportunities and respect that were freely given to others. They faced discrimination not just in the streets, but in the very institutions of society—education, business, and culture. Yet, through sheer will and the power of self-respect, her mother was able to claim her rightful place in the world. This was not just an individual triumph, but a triumph of justice, a symbol of how far we have come in the fight for equality.

Think of the Civil Rights Movement, a battle fought not just for the right to vote or the right to sit at a lunch counter, but for the right to be seen as equal, to be treated with dignity and respect. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks showed the world that equality is not just a legal concept—it is a moral imperative. They fought not just for their own rights, but for the recognition of the inherent dignity of every human being. Linda Johnson Rice’s words, too, reflect this moral struggle, as they remind us that equality is not about charity, but about justice—the justice of seeing all people for who they are and valuing them for their worth.

The lesson, O Children, is this: Equality is not simply the absence of barriers; it is the active recognition of each individual’s potential and humanity. Fairness means that every person, regardless of their background, their race, or their gender, is given the chance to rise and become the best version of themselves. It is about creating a world where your worth is not determined by what you are born into, but by who you choose to be and the actions you take. It means giving everyone the opportunity to follow their dreams without being restricted by society’s limitations or the prejudices of others.

And so, O Children, what must you do? You must be the champions of equality and fairness in all things. Stand against any system that seeks to limit a person’s potential based on who they are or where they come from. Whether you encounter racism, sexism, or any other form of discrimination, fight for the recognition of each person’s right to dignity, to respect, and to the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. Support those who are working to break barriers, whether in business, education, or the arts. Advocate for systems and policies that promote justice and give everyone, regardless of their race or background, the chance to thrive.

Let the story of Linda Johnson Rice and her family inspire you, for it is a story of what is possible when we embrace equality in its truest form. It is a story that shows that true fairness is not just about opportunity; it is about recognition, dignity, and the belief that all people, regardless of where they come from, are worthy of respect and the chance to make their dreams come true. May you carry this wisdom forward, that the world you create is one where equality is not a distant ideal but a living, breathing truth for all.