233 Quotes by Marian Wright Edelman

As I contemplate the kind of future I want for children-my own and other people’s-I believe we must look inward to God for guidance and strength and backward to draw on the values and legacies of our families, ancestors, and communities.

You’d better stay determined, because that’s how our ancestors got us where we are.

I was taught that the world had a lot of problems; that I could struggle and change them; that intellectual and material gifts brought the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others less fortunate; and that service is the rent each of us pays for living – the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.

If we think we have ours and don’t owe any time or money or effort to help those left behind, then we are a part of the problem rather than the solution to the fraying social fabric that threatens all Americans.

Children cannot eat rhetoric and they cannot be sheltered by commissions. I don’t want to see another commission that studies the needs of kids. We need to help them.

Don’t assume a door is closed; push on it. Don’t assume if it was closed yesterday that it is closed today. Don’t ever stop learning and improving your mind. If you do, you’re going to be left behind.

You’re not obligated to win. You’re obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day.

Never work just for money or for power. They won’t save your soul or help you sleep at night.

Children don’t vote but adults who do must stand up and vote for them.