Remember and help America remember that the fellowship of human beings is more important than the fellowship of race and class and gender in a democratic society.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
A nation that does not stand for its children does not stand for anything and will not stand tall in the future.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing children's well-being for a nation's future success.
Marian Wright Edelman's quote highlights the critical responsibility of a nation to advocate for and invest in the welfare and education of its children. It suggests that neglecting this duty leads to a moral and ethical failure, ultimately undermining the nation's integrity and potential for growth.
Themes
ChildrenNationFutureResponsibilityEducation
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech advocating for better educational resources, one might quote Edelman to emphasize the importance of investing in children.
More from Marian Wright Edelman
All quotes βFar less wealthy industrialized countries have committed to end child poverty, while the United States is sliding backwards. We can do better. We must demand that our leaders do better.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
Dr. King used to say, 'I was sitting in the back of the bus, but my mind was always up front.' Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it. You aim high and you work very hard and now I think it's clear that you can be anything you want to.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
The outside world told black kids when I was growing up that we weren't worth anything. But our parents said it wasn't so, and our churches and our schoolteachers said it wasn't so. They believed in us, and we, therefore, believed in ourselves.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
I was taught that the world had a lot of problems; that I could struggle and change them; that intellectual and material gifts brought the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others less fortunate; and that service is the rent each of us pays for living - the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
We must always refill and ensure there is a critical mass of leaders and activists committed to nonviolence and racial and economic justice who will keep seeding and building transforming movements.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
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The most important skill to acquire now is learning how to learn.
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