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
We have come a long way in America because of Martin Luther King, Jr. He led a disciplined, nonviolent revolution under the rule of law, a revolution of values, a revolution of ideas. We've come a long way, but we still have a distance to go before all of our citizens embrace the idea of a truly interracial democracy, what I like to call the Beloved Community, a nation at peace with itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the progress made toward racial equality in America, while acknowledging that more work lies ahead.
John Lewis emphasizes the transformative leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. in advancing civil rights through nonviolent means. He recognizes the long journey toward achieving a true interracial democracy, referring to the ultimate vision of a 'Beloved Community' where all citizens live in harmony and mutual respect, underscoring the need for continued effort in this pursuit.
Themes
Civil RightsProgressNonviolenceDemocracyCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, one could use this quote to inspire others to continue the fight for equality.
More from John Lewis
All quotes →The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
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Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
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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.'
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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.
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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.
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