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
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the struggles and sacrifices endured to achieve freedom and progress.
James Weldon Johnson's quote poignantly illustrates the arduous journey towards freedom and equality, emphasizing the suffering and sacrifices made along the way. It serves as a powerful reminder of the collective struggles faced by those who fought against oppression, highlighting that the path to justice is often marked by hardship and resilience.
Themes
FreedomSacrificeStruggleJusticeEquality
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote at a civil rights gathering to honor the sacrifices made for justice.
More from James Weldon Johnson
All quotes βO 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
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.
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
Similar quotes
Who can be born black and not exult!
Mari EvansRead
The athlete who is building muscles though weight training should be very sure to work adequately on speed and flexibility at the same time. In combat, without the prior attributes, a strong man will be like the bull with its colossal strength futilely pursuing the matador or like a low-geared truck chasing a rabbit.
Bruce LeeRead
I was walking around trying to act cool, like I had no fear at all._x000D_ But I was afraid, afraid that somebody would find out just how scared I was._x000D_ Now I'm finally realizing that fear is the opposite of love.
Stevie Ray VaughanRead
Rosa Parks inspired me to find a way to get in the way, to get in trouble... good trouble, necessary trouble.
John LewisRead
When people flirt with despair about the future, they are less likely to take the actions necessary to safeguard it, focusing instead on the short-term.
Al GoreRead
In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action.
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read