Many feel that in today's climate some of those in authority are exercising, in effect, a self-serving, 'ends justify the means' mindset as well, and that, in turn, empowers them to do the same.
The seminal right of the modern civil rights movement was the right to vote. My father fought so diligently for it. Certainly Congressman John Lewis and many others, Hosea Williams, fought for it as well.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The right to vote is a fundamental achievement of the civil rights movement, fought for by many leaders.
This quote emphasizes the critical importance of voting rights within the civil rights movement, highlighting the dedication of individuals like Martin Luther King III's father, who worked tirelessly to secure this essential democratic right. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by prominent figures, including Congressman John Lewis and Hosea Williams, underscoring that the struggle for equality and justice involves the unwavering commitment of many individuals to ensure that every citizen can participate in the electoral process.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of voting, one could quote this to emphasize the legacy of the civil rights movement.
More from Martin Luther King Iii
All quotes βHuman life is important and it feels like there is not a concern in communities of color. Very frustrated, but we will never give up and lose hope and change our system.
There's something wrong in a nation where six million black men are not allowed to vote because they were convicted of felonies. They've paid their dues to society, but yet their right to vote is not reinstated.
Our challenge is to mobilize a new coalition of conscience to restore the Voting Rights Act, strengthen voting rights and broaden voter access in the legislatures of the 50 states.
The March on Washington was a defining moment in the history of this country and a great example of our nation truly living up to its creed.
America has an obligation to secure its borders, but it is wrong to pass laws that treat human beings as something less than human. If my father were alive, he would be in the forefront of the struggle for a fair and humane reform of our immigration laws.
Similar quotes
One of the tragedies of the struggle against racism is that up to now there has been no national organization which could speak to the growing militancy of young black people in the urban ghetto.
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.
There has been far too much hypocrisy in the field of civil rights. It is easy enough to give rousing speeches or call for legislation which has no possibility of passage.
Negroes are in no mood to shoulder guns for democracy abroad while they are denied democracy here at home.
It is an insult for me to have been alive through the times you are calling the so-called civil rights movement. I don't celebrate my humiliations and my insults.
African-Americans have always viewed the protection of black lives as a civil rights issue, whether the threat comes from police officers or street criminals. Far from ignoring the issue of crime by blacks against other blacks, African-American officials and their constituents have been consumed by it.