The March on Washington was a March for Jobs and Freedom. There are still too many people who are unemployed or underemployed in America - they're black, white, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
I want to see young people in America feel the spirit of the 1960s and find a way to get in the way. To find a way to get in trouble. Good trouble, necessary trouble.
Interpretation
What this quote means
John Lewis encourages young people to embrace activism and stand up for what is right, even if it leads to controversy.
In this quote, John Lewis urges the youth of America to channel the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s, a time marked by significant social change and civil rights movements. He advocates for engaging in 'good trouble,' which refers to taking action that challenges injustice, even if it is deemed controversial or leads one into conflict. Lewis emphasizes the importance of fighting for justice and standing against oppression, encouraging a spirit of courage and activism among young people.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a youth rally advocating for social justice.
More from John Lewis
All quotes →The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society.
Customs, traditions, laws should be flexible, within good reason, if that is what it takes to make our democracy work.
I say to people today, 'You must be prepared if you believe in something. If you believe in something, you have to go for it. As individuals, we may not live to see the end.'
We need someone who is going to stand up, speak up, and speak out for the people who need help, for the people who have been discriminated against.
If it hadn't been for that march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, there would be no Barack Obama as President of the United States of America.
Similar quotes
Sometimes, you get tired of fighting. I think you just sort of come to this realization that yes, that you will get tired, but that doesn't mean that you can give up the fight.
My dear Excellency! I have not gone to war to collect cheese and eggs, but for another purpose.
This is what I tell, especially young women, fight the big fights. Don't fight the little fight... Be the first one in, be the last one out. Do your homework, choose your battles. Don't whine, and don't be the one who complains about everything. Fight the big fight.
To a brave man, good and bad luck are like his left and right hand. He uses both.
It is foolish to fear that which you cannot avoid. -Stultum est timere quod vitare non potes
I grant men the land, the government, the wealth, all the chances. I accept that you have to hold all the cards, since that's the only way you know how to play; but I refuse to swallow your disrespect.