During past years, like frightened children, we were afraid to eat the strong meat of human rights and instead sucked the milk of civil rights from the breasts of white liberals, black Uncle Toms, and Aunt Jemimas.
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.Read
Where Negroes provide 20 percent of the vote, they should have 20 per cent of the jobs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote asserts that representation in the workforce should match representation in voting.
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.'s quote highlights the principle of proportional representation, asserting that if a marginalized group such as African Americans contributes a significant percentage of the electorate, they should receive an equivalent proportion of employment opportunities. This call for equity underscores the importance of inclusion in all societal facets, reinforcing the belief that jobs should reflect the diverse demographics of the community.
Themes
RepresentationEquityEmploymentVoteJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about workplace diversity, one might cite this quote to emphasize the need for fair hiring practices.
More from Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.
All quotes →Tremendous changes are taking place in our country, eradicating the concept of second-class citizenship.
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.Read
I am the product of the sustained indignation of a branded grandfather, the militant protest of my grandmother, the disciplined resentment of my father and mother, and the power of the mass action of the church.
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.Read
Unless man is committed to the belief that all mankind are his brothers, then he labors in vain and hypocritically in the vineyards of equality.
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.Read
The black masses must demand and refuse to accept nothing less than that proportionate percentage of the political spoils such as jobs, elective offices and appointments... They must reject the shameful racial tokenism that characterizes the political life of America today.
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.Read
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