We have defeated Jim Crow, but now we have to deal with his son, James Crow Jr., esquire.
It is up to us to change laws on the books like 'Stand Your Ground' laws and push elected officials to enact regulations that hold police officers to the same standards as the rest of society. This is why we vote.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of civic engagement in advocating for legal reforms and accountability in law enforcement.
Al Sharpton's quote highlights the responsibility of citizens to influence legal systems and ensure that laws are fair and just. It stresses that active participation in voting is crucial for effecting change, particularly concerning laws like 'Stand Your Ground,' which may perpetuate injustice. By pushing elected officials to implement regulations that hold police accountable, the quote calls for a collective effort to create a more equitable society.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of voting in social justice movements.
More from Al Sharpton
All quotes →We're not willing to give black leaders second chances because, in most cases, we're not willing to give them first chances.
The horrific cases in Ferguson, in Staten Island with the death of Eric Garner, and all across the country serve as stark reminders that we must have a say in who polices us, and how that policing is done. We must, we must, let our voices be heard on Election Day.
As I stood and gave the eulogy for young Michael Brown last week, I kept thinking about the fact that this child should have been in college instead of laying in a coffin.
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