Most blacks will argue that they excel because of hard work, because of intellect, determination, sweat, blood, tears and risk.
Jesse JacksonRead
Look at the coded language the Right is using against President Barack Obama. Openly calling him a liar in Congress, saying he is 'not a Christian, he was not born here, he is not one of us.' That makes addressing such issues trickier for the first African-American in the White House.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the racial and political biases faced by President Obama during his presidency.
In this quote, Jesse Jackson underscores the coded language and biased rhetoric that President Barack Obama encountered, particularly from those who opposed him due to his race and background. Jackson points out how these attacks, which question Obama's faith and place of birth, complicate the political discourse and undermine the dignity of having the first African-American president, emphasizing the challenges of confronting such prejudiced narratives in a charged environment.
Themes
PoliticsBiasRacismObamaLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on unity, a speaker might refer to this quote to address the challenges faced by diverse leaders.
More from Jesse Jackson
All quotes →Hold your head high, stick your chest out. You can make it. It gets dark sometimes, but morning comes. Keep hope alive.
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His foreparents came to America in immigrant ships. My foreparents came to America in slave ships. But whatever the original ships, we are both in the same boat tonight.
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Leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving.
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Many are observing Ferguson and witnessing the anger, demonstrations, looting and vandalism and calling for quiet. But quiet isn't enough. The absence of noise isn't the presence of justice - and we must demand justice in Ferguson and the other 'Fergusons' around America.
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I am - Somebody. I may be poor, but I am - Somebody! I may be on welfare, but I am - Somebody! I may be uneducated, but I am - Somebody! I must be, I'm God's child. I must be respected and protected. I am black and I am beautiful! I am - Somebody! Soul Power!
Jesse JacksonRead
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