Most blacks will argue that they excel because of hard work, because of intellect, determination, sweat, blood, tears and risk.
Jesse JacksonRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that silence or inaction in response to injustice does not equate to true justice.
Jesse Jackson's quote addresses the civil unrest and anger stemming from systemic injustice, particularly highlighting Ferguson as a symbolic representation of broader societal issues. He argues that merely calling for quiet is insufficient; we must actively seek justice rather than remain passive or complacent, as justice cannot be achieved through silence alone.
Themes
JusticeFergusonActivismSilenceProtest
In practice
Example use cases
During discussions on racial inequality, this quote can emphasize the need for actionable change rather than passive observation.
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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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.
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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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
Similar quotes
I believe indeterminate sentencing can be extremely useful, but I also believe that any such system should always take into consideration the special knowledge as to the facts in a case which only the trial judge possesses.
Robert KennedyRead
In countries with a properly functioning legal system, the mob continues to exist, but it is rarely called upon to mete out capital punishment. The right to take human life belongs to the state. Not so in societies where weak courts and poor law enforcement are combined with intractable structural injustices.
Teju ColeRead
Justice for crimes against humanity must have no limitations.
Simon WiesenthalRead
Courts are too distant from the communities they put on trial.
David LammyRead
If one of our fellow citizens can be executed with so much doubt surrounding his guilt, then the death penalty system in our country is unjust and outdated.
Jimmy CarterRead
I am asking that every American everywhere, in every state, in every zip code have the same opportunities and the same right to live.
Raphael WarnockRead