We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
There are a great many colored people who are ashamed of the cake-walk, but I think they ought to be proud of it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The cake-walk, a dance with origins in African American culture, should be a source of pride rather than shame.
James Weldon Johnson's quote highlights the importance of embracing cultural heritage, suggesting that rather than feeling shame for their traditions or expressions, people should take pride in them. The cake-walk, with its roots in African American history, represents resilience and creativity, and Johnson argues for a positive acknowledgment of such cultural expressions as vital to identity and history.
Themes
PrideCultureHeritageIdentityCelebration
In practice
Example use cases
During a cultural festival, I shared this quote to encourage attendees to take pride in their heritage.
More from James Weldon Johnson
All quotes βO Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?
James Weldon JohnsonRead
The battle was first waged over the right of the Negro to be classed as a human being with a soul; later, as to whether he had sufficient intellect to master even the rudiments of learning; and today it is being fought out over his social recognition.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
I believe it to be a fact that the colored people of this country know and understand the white people better than the white people know and understand them.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
It is a struggle; for though the black man fights passively, he nevertheless fights; and his passive resistance is more effective at present than active resistance could possibly be. He bears the fury of the storm as does the willow tree.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
Southern white people despise the Negro as a race, and will do nothing to aid in his elevation as such; but for certain individuals they have a strong affection, and are helpful to them in many ways.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
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