The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
John LewisRead
I am very, very hopeful about the American South - I believe that we will lead America to what Dr. King called 'the beloved community.'
Interpretation
John Lewis expresses optimism about the potential for the American South to be a leader in creating a united and loving community.
In this quote, John Lewis reflects his deep hope for the American South to transform into a model for unity and inclusivity, echoing the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'beloved community.' He emphasizes a belief in the power of collective effort and the potential for positive change that can inspire a nation towards greater love and understanding among its people.
In practice
During a speech on civil rights, I would quote John Lewis to inspire hope and action.
The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.'
We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.
If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.
Your true passion should feel like breathing; itβs that natural.
I identified in a very deep way with the individuals I was writing about because the theme that runs through this story is of extraordinary hardship and the will to overcome it.
I felt like, 'How do I fit in'? I'm battling. But then I never fit in!'... I thank God for somebody like Pharrell who stayed in my ear. For him, at that time, 'Happy' was everywhere; he didn't have to share anything with me.
Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!
If we are to help heal the world, we need to remember that it is a sacred place. Our actions need to be positive statements, reminders that even in the worst times there is a world worth struggling for.
Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ risen.
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