The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
John LewisRead
I am very, very hopeful about the American South - I believe that we will lead America to what Dr. King called 'the beloved community.'
Interpretation
John Lewis expresses optimism about the potential for the American South to be a leader in creating a united and loving community.
In this quote, John Lewis reflects his deep hope for the American South to transform into a model for unity and inclusivity, echoing the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'beloved community.' He emphasizes a belief in the power of collective effort and the potential for positive change that can inspire a nation towards greater love and understanding among its people.
In practice
During a speech on civil rights, I would quote John Lewis to inspire hope and action.
The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.'
We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.
If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.
I always believed there would be an African-American president. It was something I'd dreamed about, thought about, but certainly did not believe would happen in my lifetime.
Sometimes the rewards of risk don't leave us wrecked. Sometimes we find our passion, our purpose, courage, connection, and comfort. Every good thing in our lives is a direct result of risk.
I believe in a passion for inclusion.
I suppose, because I am a sportsman and travel all over Australia, I see every day Australians doing small and large and often unnoticed deeds; many times I thought how nice it would be for them to be recognised, so I hope somehow that in receiving this honour that I represent these people.
I always try to be myself. Ever since I was an introverted kid, I'd get on stage and be able to break out of my shell.
When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome. Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment. What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?
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