Thurgood Marshall Quotes

In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.

None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody bent down and helped us.

A child born to a black mother in a state like Mississippi has the same rights as a white baby born to the wealthiest person in the United States. It’s not true, but I challenge anyone to say it is not a goal worth working for.

The legal system can force open doors and sometimes even knock down walls, but it cannot build bridges. That job belongs to you and me.

I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred, and the mistrust.

Segregation is per se inequality.

We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust. We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better.

What is at stake is more than one small country, it is a big idea – a new world order…

In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.

It is a peculiar sensation to step from the platform and realize you’re completely utterly alone for the first time in your life.

Lawlessness is lawlessness. Anarchy is anarchy is anarchy. Neither race nor color nor frustration is an excuse for either lawlessness or anarchy.

We want our children to know the truth, not just because all historical truth is precious but because the truth is the only foundation we can build upon for the future.

Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.

The only way he [an individual] can prevent being lynched is to stay out of his [a white man’s] way.

Our whole constitutional heritage rebels at the thought of giving government the power to control men’s minds.

The government they [the Founding Fathers] devised was defective from the start, requiring several amendments, a civil war, and major social transformations to attain the system of constitutional government, and its respect for the individual freedoms and human rights, we hold as fundamental today.

The road to justice is a long one, but it is the road we must travel if we strive to create a society that is equitable and just for all.

The only reason they are here is because they still think I’m the biggest threat they have.

It is time, and long past time, for all good citizens to demand equality under the law for all people.

The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis.

There is no greater injustice than a society that claims to be fair and just, yet denies access to education, employment, and basic human rights to certain groups.

We must recognize that our freedom is linked to the freedom of others, and that true justice can only be achieved when all people are treated equally.

Discrimination, whether based on race, gender, or any other factor, has no place in a democratic society.

The arc of the moral universe may bend towards justice, but it is up to us to do the bending.

Education is the key to unlocking the potential of every individual, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all children have access to a quality education.

We cannot let fear and prejudice dictate our actions. We must strive to be better, to do better, and to create a society that is inclusive and just for all.

Civil rights are not just a black issue, they are a human issue. We must all stand up and speak out against injustice and inequality.

Our children are our future, and we must invest in their education and well-being if we want to build a better world.

The fight for justice and equality is not a sprint, it is a marathon. We must be in it for the long haul, and we must never give up.

Change does not happen overnight, but every small step towards progress is a step worth taking.

We must challenge the status quo, question the norms, and strive for a society that is fair and just for all.

True equality can only be achieved when we see beyond color and recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

We must use our voices, our votes, and our power to effect meaningful change in our communities and our world.

The march towards justice is not a straight line, but a winding path filled with obstacles and setbacks. But we must keep moving forward.

We must be willing to have difficult conversations about race, privilege, and inequality if we want to create lasting change.

The power to change the world lies within each of us. We must use our gifts and talents to make a difference.

Justice is not a gift to be bestowed upon the deserving, but a right that belongs to all.

We must fight for justice not just for ourselves, but for future generations who deserve a better world.

The fight for civil rights is not a black fight or a white fight, it is a fight for justice and equality for all people.

We must dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality and work towards a society that is truly free and just.

Our differences should be celebrated, not used as a means of division. We must learn to embrace diversity and find strength in our common humanity.

The road to progress is often paved with resistance, but we must not be discouraged. We must keep pushing forward.

We must be the change we wish to see in the world. Each of us has the power to make a difference.

True justice and equality can only be achieved when we address the root causes of injustice and work towards systemic change.

We must strive to create a world where every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their race or background.

The fight for justice is not a burden, but a privilege. We must embrace it and use our voices to create change.

We must confront our own biases and prejudices if we want to create a society that is fair and just for all.

Change starts with us. We must lead by example and inspire others to join us in the fight for justice and equality.

We must never forget the sacrifices of those who came before us. Their courage and resilience inspire us to keep pushing forward.

The struggle for civil rights is not over. We must continue to fight for justice until every person is free.