We're not willing to give black leaders second chances because, in most cases, we're not willing to give them first chances.
Al SharptonRead
We have defeated Jim Crow, but now we have to deal with his son, James Crow Jr., esquire.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and the need for continued vigilance in addressing its modern manifestations.
Al Sharpton's quote addresses the idea that while significant progress has been made in overcoming the institutionalized racism of Jim Crow laws, new, subtler forms of discrimination continue to persist. By referencing 'James Crow Jr., esquire,' Sharpton emphasizes that the fight for racial equality is not over and that contemporary issues require a new understanding and strategy to combat ongoing injustices.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech during a civil rights march to highlight ongoing challenges.
We're not willing to give black leaders second chances because, in most cases, we're not willing to give them first chances.
The horrific cases in Ferguson, in Staten Island with the death of Eric Garner, and all across the country serve as stark reminders that we must have a say in who polices us, and how that policing is done. We must, we must, let our voices be heard on Election Day.
It is up to us to change laws on the books like 'Stand Your Ground' laws and push elected officials to enact regulations that hold police officers to the same standards as the rest of society. This is why we vote.
As I stood and gave the eulogy for young Michael Brown last week, I kept thinking about the fact that this child should have been in college instead of laying in a coffin.
If companies can refuse to provide coverage for women, what other objections to the Affordable Care Act will we see based on 'religious grounds'? For that matter, will 'religious freedom' be used as an excuse to discriminate against other minorities and disenfranchised groups across the board? Where will it end?
I do think that you're starting to see young people pay attention to some longterm issues that they feel Washington has neglected.
If you don't have a real stake in the new, then just surviving on the old - even if it is about efficiency - I don't think is a long-term game.
The whole fabric of southern society must be changed, and never can it be done if this opportunity is lost. Without this, this government can never be, as it never has been, a true republic.
When we uncovered the Hinkley case, there were so many other cases like it, and they're just catching up. And we're just starting to see the damage. I was hoping by now there would be more transparency and less defeat and cover-up. I haven't seen much of that change.
Climate change pries further apart the haves and have-nots.
I paid too heavy a price for perestroika.
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