If Liberia has failed, then, it is no evidence of the failure of the Negro in government. It is merely evidence of the failure of slavery.
Carter G. WoodsonRead
I am not afraid of being sued by white businessmen. In fact, I should welcome such a law suit.
Interpretation
This quote expresses a bold stance against the fear of legal repercussions in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Carter G. Woodson's quote highlights the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, particularly in the context of fighting for racial equality and justice. His willingness to embrace potential lawsuits from influential businessmen reflects his courage to challenge the status quo and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, demonstrating that the pursuit of justice is often fraught with risks and opposition.
In practice
During a speech at a civil rights rally, one could use this quote to inspire action and resilience in the face of opposition.
If Liberia has failed, then, it is no evidence of the failure of the Negro in government. It is merely evidence of the failure of slavery.
If the Negroes are to remain forever removed from the producing atmosphere, and the present discrimination continues, there will be nothing left for them to do.
Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.
The different ness of races, moreover, is no evidence of superiority or of inferiority. This merely indicates that each race has certain gifts which the others do not possess.
This assumption of Negro leadership in the ghetto, then, must not be confined to matters of religion, education, and social uplift; it must deal with such fundamental forces in life as make these things possible.
When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions.
People say you have to hit rock bottom, and, I can tell you, almost dying is as rock bottom as it gets.
I've said to people before that I'm going to do my very best to make it, and I'm not going to give up. And that's true. But I might not make it. And if I don't make it, the Marathon of Hope better continue.
Do right and risk the consequences.
Being "fearless" isn't about being unafraid, it's about being TERRIFIED and still going for it.
We have to nurture our young women and understand the beauty and the strength of being a woman. It's kind of a catch-22: Strength in women isn't appreciated, and vulnerability in women isn't appreciated. It's like, 'What the hell do you do?' What you do is you don't allow anyone to dictate who you are.
Is it a crime, to fight, for what is mine?
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