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
We have come a long way in America because of Martin Luther King, Jr. He led a disciplined, nonviolent revolution under the rule of law, a revolution of values, a revolution of ideas. We've come a long way, but we still have a distance to go before all of our citizens embrace the idea of a truly interracial democracy, what I like to call the Beloved Community, a nation at peace with itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the progress made toward racial equality in America, while acknowledging that more work lies ahead.
John Lewis emphasizes the transformative leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. in advancing civil rights through nonviolent means. He recognizes the long journey toward achieving a true interracial democracy, referring to the ultimate vision of a 'Beloved Community' where all citizens live in harmony and mutual respect, underscoring the need for continued effort in this pursuit.
Themes
Civil RightsProgressNonviolenceDemocracyCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, one could use this quote to inspire others to continue the fight for equality.
More from John Lewis
All quotes →The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
John LewisRead
Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
John LewisRead
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.'
John LewisRead
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.
John LewisRead
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.
John LewisRead
Similar quotes
When I first became a lawyer, only 2% of the bar was women. People would always think I was a secretary. In those days, professional women in the business world wore hats. So I started wearing hats.
Bella AbzugRead
Moral courage is more a rare commodity than bravery in a battle or great intelligence.
John F. KennedyRead
Lord, may the pain be ours, And the weakness that it brings, But at least give us the strength, Of not showing it to anyone!
Fernando PessoaRead
If I hadn't been a drunkard, I probably would have committed suicide long ago.
Charles BukowskiRead
I hope the strong women out there aren't quiet and they don't go away, because when people attack you for speaking, the best way to drive them nuts is to smile and carry on speaking, louder, more wisely, more intensely, more articulately than ever.
Neil GaimanRead
I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.
Clara BartonRead