Most blacks will argue that they excel because of hard work, because of intellect, determination, sweat, blood, tears and risk.
Jesse JacksonRead
We campaigned across the South . . . without a single catcall or boo. It was not until we got north to New York that we began to hear this from Koch, President Reagan, and then Mrs. Ferraro . . . . Some people are making hysteria while I'm making history.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the difference in response faced in different regions and highlights the contrast between making history and succumbing to criticisms.
Jesse Jackson's quote underscores the challenges faced by civil rights leaders when addressing issues in the United States. It contrasts the supportive reception he experienced in the South with the hostility encountered in the North, specifically targeting political figures like Koch and Reagan. Jackson emphasizes that while others create sensationalist reactions, he remains focused on progress and making a historical impact.
Themes
HistoryChangeCriticismProgressPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might refer to Jesse Jackson's words to emphasize the importance of perseverance despite detractors.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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