Most blacks will argue that they excel because of hard work, because of intellect, determination, sweat, blood, tears and risk.
Jesse JacksonRead
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!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
Jesse Jackson's quote asserts that every person possesses intrinsic value and deserves respect, regardless of social status, education, or economic condition. It highlights a powerful message of self-affirmation and personal identity, celebrating the beauty and worth of being oneself, while calling for acknowledgment and respect from society. The phrase 'I am - Somebody!' serves as an empowering declaration against societal marginalization, reinforcing that one's identity and humanity are to be recognized and celebrated.
Themes
DignityIdentitySelf-WorthEmpowermentRespect
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech to inspire young students about self-worth and respect.
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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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.
Jesse JacksonRead
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Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive - the risk to be alive and express what we really are.
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