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.
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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.
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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.
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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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