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
Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Long before morning I knew that what I was seeking to discover was a thing I'd always known. That all courage was a form of constancy. That it is always himself that the coward abandoned first. After this all other betrayals come easily.
Since I couldn't actuate the things that I wanted to do, the only weapon I had was to say no.
Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That's what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice.
There's an antidote to our fears- trust. If we trust God more,we can fear less.
If you’ve given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope .