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 How you played in yesterday's game is all that counts. â
This quote means performance is judged by what you actually did most recently, not by reputation or excuses. Results are what remain.
â When I am playing baseball, I give it all that I have on the ball field. When the ball game is over, I certainly don't take it home. My little girl who is sitting out there wouldn't know the difference between a third strike and a foul ball. We don't talk about baseball at home. â
This quote means Robinson gave everything to his profession but refused to let it consume his home life. Work stayed on the field, while family remained protected.
â The black press, some liberal sportswriters, and even a few politicians were banging away at those Jim Crow barriers in baseball. I never expected the walls to come tumbling down in my lifetime. â
This quote means the fall of segregation in baseball came through long pressure from many voices, and its eventual success once seemed almost unimaginable.