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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The importance of human connection transcends divisions of race, class, and gender in a democracy.
Marian Wright Edelman's quote emphasizes that in a democratic society, the bond shared among all human beings should take precedence over the divisive lines created by race, class, and gender. By advocating for this sense of fellowship, Edelman calls for recognition of our shared humanity and the unity that can be achieved through understanding and compassion, rather than allowing societal divisions to dictate our interactions and relationships.
Themes
FellowshipHumanityDemocracyUnityRaceClassGender
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting to address social issues, this quote can remind attendees to focus on shared values rather than differences.
More from Marian Wright Edelman
All quotes βDr. 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
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
Similar quotes
Somebody once told me, black people, in and of themselves, are cosmopolitan. There's cosmopolitanism within the black experience. There's an incredible amount.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
We are closer to God when we are asking questions than when we think we have the answers.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
I first started asking big questions when I was 12, and by big questions, I mean, 'Why are we here? What is this business? We're alive for a few short decades and then poof, we're out of here.'
Barbara EhrenreichRead
While the farmer holds the title to the land, actually, it belongs to all the people because civilization itself rests upon the soil.
Thomas JeffersonRead
The only justification for our concepts and systems of concepts is that they serve to represent the complex of our experiences; beyond this they have not legitimacy.
Albert EinsteinRead
Lord, where shall I find you? Your place is lofty and secret. And where shall I not find you? The whole earth is full of your glory! You are found in our innermost heart, yet you fixed earth's boundaries. You are a strong tower for those who are near and the trust of those who go far. I have sought to come near you; I have called to you with all my heart; and when I went out towards you, I found you coming towards me.
Judah HaleviRead