Remember and help America remember that the fellowship of human beings is more important than the fellowship of race and class and gender in a democratic society.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
Dr. King used to say, 'I was sitting in the back of the bus, but my mind was always up front.' Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it. You aim high and you work very hard and now I think it's clear that you can be anything you want to.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote encourages individuals to aim high and believe in their potential, regardless of their current circumstances.
Marian Wright Edelman's quote reflects Dr. King's perseverance and determination despite facing societal limitations. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and working diligently towards one's goals, highlighting that one's current position does not dictate their future possibilities. The idea conveyed is that self-belief and effort can break barriers and lead to success.
Themes
MotivationDreamsSuccessDeterminationBelieve
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to inspire students to chase their dreams.
More from Marian Wright Edelman
All quotes →Far less wealthy industrialized countries have committed to end child poverty, while the United States is sliding backwards. We can do better. We must demand that our leaders do better.
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The outside world told black kids when I was growing up that we weren't worth anything. But our parents said it wasn't so, and our churches and our schoolteachers said it wasn't so. They believed in us, and we, therefore, believed in ourselves.
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I was taught that the world had a lot of problems; that I could struggle and change them; that intellectual and material gifts brought the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others less fortunate; and that service is the rent each of us pays for living - the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.
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We must always refill and ensure there is a critical mass of leaders and activists committed to nonviolence and racial and economic justice who will keep seeding and building transforming movements.
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You didn't have a choice about the parents you inherited, but you do have a choice about the kind of parent you will be.
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