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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of belief and support from family and community in overcoming negative societal messages.
Marian Wright Edelman's quote highlights the contrasting messages that black children received from society and their immediate support system. While the outside world communicated devaluation and lack of worth, the affirming voices of parents, churches, and teachers instilled a belief in their potential. This belief from trusted figures nurtures self-worth and confidence, allowing individuals to rise above external negativity.
Themes
BeliefSelf-WorthSupportCommunityEducation
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker could use this quote to inspire youth at a community center.
More from Marian Wright Edelman
All quotes →Far 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
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.
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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
You didn't have a choice about the parents you inherited, but you do have a choice about the kind of parent you will be.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
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