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Black is beautiful when it is a slum kid studying to enter college, when it is a man learning new skills for a new job. . . .
Whitney M. Young
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the beauty and dignity of striving for better opportunities despite challenging circumstances.

Whitney M. Young's quote highlights the intrinsic value and beauty found in individuals, particularly from marginalized backgrounds, who are pursuing education and self-improvement. It suggests that true beauty lies in the efforts of those striving to overcome obstacles, such as slum children preparing for college or individuals acquiring new skills for employment, demonstrating resilience and aspiration against the odds.

Themes

EducationBeautyResilienceStrivingOpportunity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about community development and education.

More from Whitney M. Young

No race has a monopoly on vice or virtue, and the worth of an individual is not related to the color of his skin.
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The danger is that people may mistake what is basically a change in vocabulary for a change in behavior, practices, and attitudes. While practically all Americans have learned to talk inoffensively, not enough have learned to think differently, nor act positively.
Whitney M. YoungRead
Black Power simply means: Look at me, I'm here. I have dignity. I have pride. I have roots. I insist, I demand that I participate in those decisions that affect my life and the lives of my children. It means that I am somebody.
Whitney M. YoungRead
Every man is our brother, and every man’s burden is our own. Where poverty exists, all are poorer. Where hate flourishes, all are corrupted. Where injustice reins, all are unequal.
Whitney M. YoungRead

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