Oh, Alexander Hamilton fell short of his best self every now and again, and he still managed to do these wonderful things - well, so do I. So what am I capable of?
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
You must be an artist and a citizen of the world. You must speak to this stuff that's happening. You must do what you can to shine a light on it, help people through it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the responsibility of individuals, especially artists, to engage with and address societal issues.
Leslie Odom Jr. urges that being an artist involves not only creativity but also a commitment to the wider community. He highlights the importance of acknowledging current events and using one's voice and talents to provide support and bring awareness to injustices and challenges faced by people, advocating for a sense of responsibility among artists to contribute positively to society.
Themes
ArtistCitizenSocietyResponsibilityAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech at a community event.
More from Leslie Odom, Jr.
All quotes →To get even realer with you for a second, as a black actor, as a performer of color, I don't know how many more roles like Aaron Burr are gonna come along for me.
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
We're reminded yet again: we are stronger, we are smarter, we have more fun when we include each other - when we include as many perspectives as possible.
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
I grew up in Philadelphia in a time where we took it for granted that we were supposed to be young and gifted and black. It was a culture of excellence - and all my friends were more talented than I was.
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
It's still a political statement to stand on stage as a person of color and be excellent. We still need those images to combat the narrative we're often fed - as someone innately inferior or inexorably linked with lack.
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
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