Remember and help America remember that the fellowship of human beings is more important than the fellowship of race and class and gender in a democratic society.
Marian Wright EdelmanRead
When President Kennedy was elected, many black Americans, like so many Americans, were captivated by his youth and energy and promise and were especially hopeful that he might move the country in a new direction on civil rights.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Edelman reflects on the hope and expectation of change within the black community during Kennedy's presidency.
Marian Wright Edelman's quote encapsulates the optimism that many African Americans felt when John F. Kennedy was elected president. His youthful vigor and the promise of a new direction in civil rights stirred a sense of hope among black Americans, who longed for recognition and equality in a society marked by racial injustice. This hope was significant as it highlighted the desire for progressive change during a critical period in American history.
Themes
HopeChangeCivil RightsKennedyOptimism
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of hope in leadership.
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Dr. King used to say, 'I was sitting in the back of the bus, but my mind was always up front.' Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it. You aim high and you work very hard and now I think it's clear that you can be anything you want to.
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The outside world told black kids when I was growing up that we weren't worth anything. But our parents said it wasn't so, and our churches and our schoolteachers said it wasn't so. They believed in us, and we, therefore, believed in ourselves.
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I was taught that the world had a lot of problems; that I could struggle and change them; that intellectual and material gifts brought the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others less fortunate; and that service is the rent each of us pays for living - the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.
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We must always refill and ensure there is a critical mass of leaders and activists committed to nonviolence and racial and economic justice who will keep seeding and building transforming movements.
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