Most blacks will argue that they excel because of hard work, because of intellect, determination, sweat, blood, tears and risk.
I am - Somebody. I may be poor, but I am - Somebody! I may be on welfare, but I am - Somebody! I may be uneducated, but I am - Somebody! I must be, I'm God's child. I must be respected and protected. I am black and I am beautiful! I am - Somebody! Soul Power!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
Jesse Jackson's quote asserts that every person possesses intrinsic value and deserves respect, regardless of social status, education, or economic condition. It highlights a powerful message of self-affirmation and personal identity, celebrating the beauty and worth of being oneself, while calling for acknowledgment and respect from society. The phrase 'I am - Somebody!' serves as an empowering declaration against societal marginalization, reinforcing that one's identity and humanity are to be recognized and celebrated.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech to inspire young students about self-worth and respect.
More from Jesse Jackson
All quotes →Hold your head high, stick your chest out. You can make it. It gets dark sometimes, but morning comes. Keep hope alive.
His foreparents came to America in immigrant ships. My foreparents came to America in slave ships. But whatever the original ships, we are both in the same boat tonight.
Leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving.
Look at the coded language the Right is using against President Barack Obama. Openly calling him a liar in Congress, saying he is 'not a Christian, he was not born here, he is not one of us.' That makes addressing such issues trickier for the first African-American in the White House.
Many are observing Ferguson and witnessing the anger, demonstrations, looting and vandalism and calling for quiet. But quiet isn't enough. The absence of noise isn't the presence of justice - and we must demand justice in Ferguson and the other 'Fergusons' around America.
Similar quotes
Every woman who thinks she is the only victim of violence has to know that there are many more.
It is not the intelligent woman v. the ignorant woman; nor the white woman v. the black, the brown, and the red, it is not even the cause of woman v. man. Nay, tis woman's strongest vindication for speaking that the world needs to hear her voice.
When you are thinking about going away for a long duration mission, it has to be part of your mindset that you're leaving your family, but it's for the right reasons, for good reasons, and hopefully helping humanity.
The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.
If we wish to free ourselves from enslavement, we must choose freedom and the responsibility this entails.
At my aunt's funeral, I promised myself that I wouldn't be bound by the belief that I'm supposed to stay in anything - whether it's a relationship, a job, a house, or a circumstance - if it makes me miserable. She gave me the courage to find my own happiness.