“Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.”
- February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005
- American
- Civil Rights Activist, Symbol of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
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Quote
“Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.”
Explanation
In this quote, Rosa Parks acknowledges a hard truth: racism did not end with legal victories or public protests—it continues to persist. Her phrase “racism is still with us” is a sober reminder that progress does not mean completion. Yet she quickly turns from observation to responsibility, emphasizing that it is the duty of each generation to equip the next with knowledge, resilience, and moral clarity.
By focusing on children, Parks underlines the importance of education, awareness, and preparation as tools of empowerment. The struggle for justice is not over, but it can be carried forward if young people are given the tools to face it. Her hope—“we shall overcome”—echoes the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement and affirms a vision of eventual victory, grounded in action and intergenerational solidarity.
Today, her message remains vital. In a world where racism continues in both subtle and overt forms, her words call us to acknowledge reality, educate future generations, and commit to sustained hope and effort. Parks reminds us that overcoming injustice is not just a dream, but a responsibility that lives on through teaching, example, and persistent resolve.
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