When the scary subject of race is finally broached, kids want to talk and talk. It's very satisfying.
Ruby BridgesRead
As African-Americans, people of that generation felt pretty much if they were going to see changes in the world, they had to make sacrifices and step up to the plate. I'm very proud that my parents happened to be people who did. They were not privileged to have a formal education.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and action to bring about change, particularly in the context of the struggles faced by African-Americans.
Ruby Bridges reflects on the sacrifices made by her parents and their generation, highlighting that real change often requires individuals to step up and take action, regardless of their circumstances or educational background. Their determination is a source of pride for her, demonstrating that progress results from resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a Black History Month event to highlight the importance of sacrifice in fighting for civil rights.
When the scary subject of race is finally broached, kids want to talk and talk. It's very satisfying.
I felt like there was something I needed to do - speaking to kids and sharing my story with them and helping them understand racism has no place in the minds and hearts of children.
Schools should be diverse if we are to get past racial differences.
I've seen schools in Detroit where the windows are broken, where there's no heat, and children are sitting with their coats on in class in the middle of a snowstorm. I've also seen schools in California with Olympic-sized swimming pools and cafeterias like five-star restaurants.
Throughout my life, my prayers have actively sustained me - held me up, carried me through.
My message is really that racism has no place in the hearts and minds of our children.
If you fall seventy times a day, rise seventy times and return to God so that you will not fall too often.
We welcome the opposition of the world, because we are determined to see the battle through. Africa's battle-cry is not yet heard.
Courage is required not only in a person's occasional crucial decision for his own freedom, but in the little hour-to-hour decisions which place the bricks in the structure of his building of himself into a person who acts with freedom and responsibility.
Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.
Even if I died in the service of the nation, I would be proud of it. Every drop of my blood... will contribute to the growth of this nation and to make it strong and dynamic.
The one perfectly divine thing, the one glimpse of God's paradise given on earth, is to fight a losing battle - and not lose it.
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