We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
It is a struggle; for though the black man fights passively, he nevertheless fights; and his passive resistance is more effective at present than active resistance could possibly be. He bears the fury of the storm as does the willow tree.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Passive resistance can be a powerful form of fighting against oppression.
This quote speaks to the effectiveness of passive resistance in the face of oppression, particularly highlighting the strength and determination it takes to endure struggles without resorting to violence. Johnson draws a parallel to the willow tree, which bends under pressure but remains unbroken, symbolizing resilience amidst adversity.
Themes
Passive ResistanceStruggleStrengthOppressionResilience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about civil rights movements to emphasize the power of nonviolent resistance.
More from James Weldon Johnson
All quotes →There are a great many colored people who are ashamed of the cake-walk, but I think they ought to be proud of it.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
O Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?
James Weldon JohnsonRead
The battle was first waged over the right of the Negro to be classed as a human being with a soul; later, as to whether he had sufficient intellect to master even the rudiments of learning; and today it is being fought out over his social recognition.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
I believe it to be a fact that the colored people of this country know and understand the white people better than the white people know and understand them.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
Southern white people despise the Negro as a race, and will do nothing to aid in his elevation as such; but for certain individuals they have a strong affection, and are helpful to them in many ways.
James Weldon JohnsonRead
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