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 may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that while we don't control when events occur, we must rise to the occasion and act when it matters.
John Lewis conveys the idea that the challenges and moments we face in life may not be of our own choosing, yet it is our responsibility to respond to them with courage and integrity. This highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and standing up for what is right when history calls upon us, encouraging individuals to take action even in the face of uncertainty.
Themes
CourageTimeResponsibilityActionHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might say this quote to inspire proactive change.
More from John Lewis
All quotes βThe scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
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Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
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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.'
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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.
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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.
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I will to my dying day oppose with all the powers and faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on the one hand, and villainy on the other, as this writ of assistance is.
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A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.
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