I want all of the work that I do to have a social justice footprint attached. I want it to move the needle forward when it comes to the perception of all people, but especially people of color.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of social justice in one's work and the desire to positively influence perceptions of marginalized communities, particularly people of color.
Winston Duke expresses a commitment to ensuring that his work contributes to social justice efforts. He recognizes the need for all his endeavors to have a meaningful impact on society, with a specific focus on improving how people perceive and understand the experiences of people of color. This reflects a broader responsibility to use one's platform and influence to advocate for equality and representation.
In practice
In a speech at a community event advocating for racial equality.
I grew up under the politics of my size and my skin. I grew up under the politics of the sound of my voice and a lack of agency, or a feeling of a lack of agency, and not always being able to find myself in images that were in the media.
I am only a mouthpiece through which to tell the story of lynching and I have told it so often that I know it by heart. I do not have to embellish; it makes its own way.
The coffers are full of money and equipment for the Ferguson Police and the Missouri National Guard to put down a potential uprising, but no money for actually uplifting the people of Ferguson, St. Louis, Missouri and around the nation.
I have searched all night and day for new and better words that could express my feelings and fear for the people of this country. I found no new words. I only have no hope-filled insight to deliver. I only have this warning to all Americans: Whatever this country is willing to do to the least of us, it will one day do to us all.
My whiteness, economic privilege, able-bodied privilege, family support, and so many other factors shield me from some of the worst possible consequences - often fatal ones - that result from the toxic combination of misogyny, racism, and anti-trans sentiment.
Injustice boils in men's hearts as does steel in its cauldron, ready to pour forth, white hot, in the fullness of time.
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, Livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town.
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