I speak to you only as an American
â
I speak to you only as an American
who happens to be an American Negro
and one who is proud of that heritage.
We ask for nothing special.
We ask only that we be permitted to compete on an even basis,
and if we are not worthy,
then the competition shall, per se, eliminate us.
â
Meaning
This quote means black Americans were not asking for favors, only an equal chance to compete fairly and be judged on merit. Equality is not special treatment.
About Author
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was an American baseball player and civil rights activist, famously breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. His quotes often reflect courage, determination, and equality. Robinson inspires athletes, activists, and leaders to challenge injustice, persevere against adversity, and make a lasting impact in sports and society.
Related Quotes
â It kills me to lose. If I'm a troublemaker, and I don't think that my temper makes me one, then it's because I can't stand losing. That's the way I am about winning, all I ever wanted to do was finish first. â
This quote means his fierce competitiveness, more than bad temper, explains the conflicts around him. The drive to win defined his character.
â Above anything else, I hate to lose. â
This quote means the speaker\'s strongest drive is the refusal to be defeated. Hatred of losing becomes a source of intensity.
â If I had been white with the things I did, they never would have allowed me to get out of baseball. â
This quote means racial double standards shaped how his behavior was judged. Actions tolerated in white players were punished more harshly in him.