Most blacks will argue that they excel because of hard work, because of intellect, determination, sweat, blood, tears and risk.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leaders should embody a balance of strength and vulnerability to effectively guide others.
Jesse Jackson's quote emphasizes the multifaceted nature of effective leadership. It suggests that true leaders possess a combination of toughness and sensitivity, allowing them to confront challenges while also being in touch with their emotions. A great leader is someone who can acknowledge their mistakes and learn from them, showcasing humility and resilience. This balance fosters authenticity and inspires trust among their followers, enabling them to lead through adversity while remaining compassionate.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech about effective leadership.
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.
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.
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!
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