essay on injustice anywhere is a threat to justice

Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere Essay

When Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, he spoke about the need for justice and equality for all people, regardless of race. King understood that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. This is just as true today as it was then.

Slavery is one of the most obvious examples of injustice. It’s hard to imagine anything more unjust than one person owning another person and treating them as property. Slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865, but it still exists in many parts of the world today. Even in countries where slavery is not legal, there are still people who are treated as property. Women, for example, are often discriminated against and treated like second-class citizens.

Liberalism is based on the belief that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities. Martin Luther King Jr. was a liberal, and he fought for the rights of all people, regardless of race. Today, there are still many people who believe in liberalism and fight for justice. However, there are also many people who believe that some groups of people are more deserving of justice than others.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We need to continue to fight for the rights of all people, no matter their race, gender, or any other characteristic. We need to stand up to discrimination and bigotry in all forms. Only then can we create a world that is truly just and equal for all.

Inconceivably, there are those who believe that what one does is just because it happens to be difficult or impossible. These people believe this way because they cannot comprehend how doing so would hurt someone else. In any case, the term injustice refers to anything from the absence of justice to its exact polar opposite. The word is used either in reference to a particular occurrence or even a larger event. Today, crime and social injustice are frequently mentioned together in the media.

There are people who will say that a single event, or even a person, can cause injustice. But is that really the case?

Slavery is probably one of the most well-known and largest examples of injustice in history. It was only within the last century or so that slavery was finally abolished. Even though it was abolished, there are still people today who live in conditions similar to slavery. Slavery is defined as “the state of one bound in servitude to a master.” This means that the slave has no freedom and is forced to work for the master. The slave is also considered property of the master and can be bought and sold like any other piece of property. Slavery is often seen as an unjust system because it takes away the freedom of the slave and treats them as if they are not a human being.

Liberalism is a political philosophy that believes in individual rights, liberty, and equality. Liberalism also believes in government by consent of the people. This means that the government should only have the power that the people allow it to have. Liberalism is often seen as a threat to justice because it can be used to justify any number of injustices. For example, some people believe that slavery was justified by liberalism because it allowed for the free market to exist. Others believe that liberalism is a threat to justice because it allows for too much freedom and not enough regulation.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader who fought for the rights of African Americans. He is best known for his “I Have A Dream” speech. In this speech, he talked about how he wanted to see a day when all people were treated equally. He also talked about how he wanted to see an end to discrimination and injustice. King was assassinated in 1968, but his dream is still alive today.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. This means that if there is one instance of injustice, it threatens the existence of justice altogether. Injustice is often seen as a threat to society because it can lead to more violence and crime. It can also lead to mistrust and hatred between people. Injustice is a problem that needs to be addressed in order to maintain a just society.

People may also come together and confront one other to either defend or dispute these faults. This may be examined in several historical cases, as well as those that encourage Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief that any place with injustice is a portent for the rest of society.

King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is an excellent example of someone who has been fighting for justice and agitating against the status quo to make a change. In his letter, King talks about his philosophy towards social change and how it should be done. He also addresses some of the criticisms he was receiving at the time. Despite all this, he still firmly believes that people have to stand up for what is right, even if it seems like an impossible task.

While there have been many movements since King wrote his letter, it seems like not much has changed in terms of how people view social injustice. There are still those who are content with the way things are and do not see any reason to try and fix something that is not broken. However, there are also plenty of people who are aware of the ills of society and are working to make a difference, even if it is just a small one.

It is important to note that social injustice does not only exist in America but all around the world. There are many countries that have a long history of slavery and oppression. Even though some of these countries have made great strides in recent years, there is still much work to be done in order to achieve true equality.

The fight for justice is an ongoing battle that will likely never be won completely. However, it is important to keep fighting for what is right and to never give up hope. As long as there are people who are willing to stand up against injustice, there is a chance that things can change for the better. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This is as true now as it was when he first said it. In order to make the world a better place, we must all work together to fight against injustice in all its forms.

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Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

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Published: Aug 24, 2023

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Table of contents

Introduction: the essence of justice and its universal implications, the ripple effect of injustice, undermining trust in institutions, social fabric and unity, human rights and moral imperative, a call to action: the power of collective efforts, from awareness to change, conclusion: championing justice as a collective imperative.

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“Injustice Anywhere Is a Threat to Justice Everywhere”

Martin luther king jr. and “letter from a birmingham jail”.

by Nicole Hammons

After the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against segregation in 1954 in Brown v. Board of Education,  segregationists became more organized, vocal, and extreme. In response, African-American communities formed their own plan of action. Events like the lynching of Emmett Till and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, both in 1955, brought tensions between white supremacists and Civil Rights activists to a dangerous head. The situation worsened due to the brutality of the Birmingham police force, led by the infamous “Bull” Conner. 1

In 1963, pacifist activists led by the young Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. created a document called the Birmingham Manifesto which invoked both Christian and American mandates for justice.  2  In accordance with this Manifesto, King and his supporters staged several non-violent protests. During one of these protests, King was arrested for violating a state injunction barring such demonstrations. While confined to his cell in the Birmingham jail, King responded to media critics and the white clergymen in the Birmingham community. These critics published an open letter in the Birmingham News denouncing the “unwise and untimely” actions of the protesters and their “outsider” leaders. 3  King responded to these and other detractors in the form of a letter, which was published upon his release. In this letter, King beautifully and concisely explained the philosophy of civil disobedience. King’s 1963 “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” promoted non-violent civil disobedience and urgency in Civil Rights advancement. It was distributed throughout the United States in newspaper and magazine reprints. It reached far beyond the many disenfranchised readers of the time; King’s words are still used to guide and defend non-violent protesters today. Although King minced no words on people unfriendly to the Movement, King was careful not to label any person or group as an enemy. Instead, he pled for a ‘change of heart’ by white moderates, white clergy, and black advocates of violence or who passively allow racial oppression to occur.

Perhaps surprisingly, he did not rail against segregationists; his letter speaks only to those whose minds he thought he could change. The success of “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” can be largely attributed to King’s directness and honesty. Instead of tarring all his critics with the same brush, he identified each of them, and explained what he believed to be their rationale for disagreement. He addressed individual criticisms and then turned those words against the critics—instructing them to pay more attention to resolving the situation that precipitated the protests and not on the protests themselves. 4  In the “Letter,” King expressed the frustration towards apathetic white moderates. He believed that these men and women could quickly and easily help the civil rights activists achieve their goals. Many moderates sympathized with and shared the ideals of the civil rights movement, but discouraged protests and demonstrations in the name of keeping peace. Speaking to this group, King stressed the importance of justice. He delineates the difference between “a negative peace, which is the absence of tension, [and] a positive peace, which is the presence of justice.” 5  His method of non-violent protests, he claimed, was the swiftest and most rational route to a just peace. The white religious leaders of the South disappointed King even more disappointing than white moderates. Some, but not all, advised their congregations to accept and obey the decision handed down in Brown v. Board of Education . Very few preached a message of toleration and acceptance. For King, this was reprehensible. In his mind, the message preached at every pulpit should have been “Follow this decree because integration is morally right and because the Negro is your brother.”  6

In current scholarship, King is hailed as a peacemaker; this was not the dominant representation of King in 1960s Birmingham. Even though his actions and words were explicitly non-violent, many regarded him as an extremist. King turned the negative epithet of “extremist” on its head, asking his reader to consider historical “extremists” like Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Jesus Christ. Looking at injustice in Birmingham and the world beyond, King states that the time has again come for such “creative extreme[ism].” 7  Although he self-identified as an extremist in the name of love and justice, King was quick to disassociate himself from what he saw as undesirable extremes in his community. He lamented the extreme complacency of many in the African-American community. By their apathy and acceptance, these worn-down souls became de facto segregationists themselves. At the other extreme were those who were so angered by segregation and injustice that their anger turned to violence. King calls this force one of “bitterness and hatred.” 8  These angry groups directly oppose King’s philosophy; they put forth a deliberately anti-American and anti-Christian message of violent opposition. 9 King’s doctrine of nonviolence concisely laid out the four principal steps of any nonviolent campaign: “collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self purification; and direct action.” 10  It was King’s belief that the community in Birmingham had already gone through the first three steps and was therefore completely justified in executing these nonviolent direct action protests. 11  Nonviolent campaigns are more than just a way to gain publicity for a cause. When negotiations have failed, or are not an option, nonviolent direct action creates a public tension that can force negotiations or acquiescence from the relevant authority. Contrary to his critics, King did not believe that this tension was dangerous or even negative. Rather, he saw it as a helpful and productive alternative to the tension created by a violent reaction to the same injustice. King was carefully to ensure that these demonstrations stayed peaceful; screening and teaching volunteers before protests began.

King directly responds to many who condemned nonviolent means on the grounds that they often cause violence. He used the famous analogy of blaming a robbed man for the robbery, on the grounds of his wealth. His point was this: violence is not inevitable nor unavoidable, and it is certainly not the only outcome of nonviolence. Indeed, nonviolent protests like those in Birmingham were proof that there are peaceful means to attract attention and effect political change. Politically, the most important part of this letter was King’s discourse on injustice. In this single short letter, King redefined ideals of justice and injustice, and how justice related to the law. To King, injustice was not confined to an individual person or place. Although he lived and worked in Atlanta, King viewed the suffering and injustice in Birmingham as his own. In his own words, “I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” 12  The last sentence is one of the most famous and enduring of the entire letter. In this discourse on justice, King eloquently described the differences and tensions between what is legal and what is right. Integration and equality, he said, are both “constitutional and God given rights.” 13  In his reading, these rights are separate and distinct. Constitutional rights are bestowed by right of being a citizen of a certain nation, bound by a legal constitution. God-given rights, in King’s eyes, were equally distributed amongst all people, and should not be denied to any group by any other group. Although he expressed the highest respect for the law, King also made it clear that laws are not always just; just and unjust laws can be distinguished by several features:

 “A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority.”  14

Beyond these philosophical differences between just and unjust laws, there were political differences. A unjust law is forced on a minority by a majority who refuses to follow the law itself. For a law to be just, it must apply and be obeyed by majorities and minorities alike. King went beyond discussing and defining justice and injustice; he provided a manual for change. He advocated a path of civil disobedience, but not of reckless law-breaking; according to King, individuals should only break a law if it is truly unjust, and if one’s conscience will not permit obeying it. If someone chose to break a law, he or she must graciously accept whatever penalty or punishment administered by the authorities. The purpose of this type of nonviolent protest was to alert and inspire one’s community to take action. Although he advocated peace, King was not preaching a message of patience. “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” is pervaded by a sense of urgency that is especially powerful when contrasted against his message of nonviolence. He stated that he, and all who are discriminated against, cannot and should not have to wait for justice – the wait for justice was a great injustice in and of itself. He called upon his followers and admirers to demand their rights, for they would not be willingly given by their oppressors. 15  “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” is a popular classic among students of language and rhetoric, as well as students of history. It occupies a very unique place on the spectrum of written documents; it is both a private and open letter, a defense and a proclamation, a sermon and manifesto. King masterfully combined the emotion of traditional Negro sermons while maintaining the logic structure of the political world. 16 Famed for his speeches, most notably the “I Have a Dream” speech given at the 1963 March on Washington, King does not lose any of his persuasive power in the written form. He deliberately used rhetorical devices like parallelism, repetition, and theme to make his audience feel, as well as understand, his message. 17   For the full text of the letter, follow this link .

Teachers: The “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” has been adopted by the Common Core curriculum as a crucial document in American history for students to understand, along with the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. To watch a class analyze the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” watch the video below.

For more information: Visit the U.S. History Scene reading list for The Long Civil Rights Movement

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Injustice Anywhere Is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

Posted on October 24, 2018 by the Editor

Going down memory lane, I am forced to ponder on the famous words of the great human right activist, Martin Luther King Jr.; the need to throw more light on this saying has made it binding on me to elucidate explicitly the true intentions and sincere motives of the late icon when he said; “Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere”.

Injustice negates justice, human actions that abuses the privileges of others and care less about their dignity and emotions can be termed injustice. This concept also is not limited to humans; animals that are unduely killed or molested whose lives and existence are not considered precious can also be said to be victims of injustice.Different societies have varying ideologies about justice and injustice; cases that considered just in one society may be unjust in another society, but there are cases that are common to man and are generally seen as unacceptable by the average person and beyond that, it is sanctioned by a court of law to be an act of injustice. It cuts across verbal abuses, emotional distress, physical assault, forceful dispossession, human right abuses etc. Many examples of injustice include; racism, abuse, discrimination, gender inequality, starvation, poverty, politics of self-interest, ethnic polarization, religious prejudice etc.

My discussion will touch all areas of human endeavor where injustice apply:

Racism is seen as one of the greatest acts of injustice on the planet. Over the years, we have been made to sheepishly concur to the general belie that technology and science has made the world a global village; the effect of this statement is better felt on paper more than what we can relate with in reality. In the words of Martin Luther King, men are judged and treated based on the color of their skin rather than the content of their brain. Achievement has no color; yet the syndrome of psychological superiority and skin color prejudice will eventually put out the fire of individual potentials and self-worth reconciliation. Black or white, Negroid or Caucasoid, who cares? I am an advocate for originality and ingenuity rather than a crusader for racial scale of preference. What our world needs is solutions to its numerous problems, and attention should be paid more on those with the ability and skills to solve universal problems not those with the preferred skin color or better still, preferred accent. Operating on a level play ground will give the world an edge over racism and promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. It does not matter where, when, or who the victim is, racial injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Societal discrimination is another act of injustice eating deep into the fabric of human existence. A world where the physically challenged are made to feel less of humans, and the educated discriminate against the uneducated fellows, the rich against the poor and the elite against the average citizen, sometimes I do wonder if fortune truly favors only the brave? Because I know many brave ones who were not favored; on the other hand I am perplexed when I consider the crippled, the blind, the deaf, the unlearned and the poor, is their predicament a curse? Even if so, they deserve the right to live just like any other person. Accepting them in the society will ease their pain a little, extending to them the hands of fellowship will give them the assurance that they are not around here by accident. They are not incapacitated as such by their challenges; they still do have potentials which can be triggered and given expression by acts of love simply shown to them.

Abuse! Cases of rape against women are on the rise in India and in other parts of the world. Taking advantage of women because they are less powerful is a great injustice against humanity irrespective of where, when, and, to whom it is done. Fighting this assault against women  is beyond government protection, it is a war that needs to be won psychologically by collectively educating sexually obsessed fellows in the affected parts of the world. Raping a woman is not a show of bravery or strength but degradation of human dignity. Decadence in educational structure leads to poor sensitization and poor orientation of the young ones to desist from this inhumane act. Promotion of social media campaigns against all known forms of abuse against women and children should be supported and encouraged. Upholding the dignity of women should be a priority on the world stage.

Gender Inequality is another act which defeats the original purpose of civilization and the true sense of justice. To  those who have refused to embrace the benefits of civilization because they assume it tampers with the foundation of their fanatical beliefs or might eventually destroy the traditions which they hold sacred, I tell you; it’s high time you got out of your shell. Isolating the women and denying them some basic civic rights being enjoyed by their counterparts elsewhere is a great injustice and it is a threat to the freedom of women everywhere. Women for instance should not be denied the right to own a driver In China, female babies are being killed because of the one-child policy and their preference for males(Wikipedia). Women like Hilary Clinton, Angela Merkel and Theresa May have proved to the world that what a man can do, a woman can do also. There exists no just reason why women should be treated with disdain be it for cultural or religious reasons. Life offers everyone equal rights to exercise their freedom and live up to their potentials.

Politics of self-interest is prevalent in the world today. The fight for supremacy among the supposed super powers only leaves the third world nations in abject poverty and perpetual suffering; but the irony of the whole matter is that most of the resources the western nations pride in, are gotten mostly from the uncivilized world. Exploitation of the third world countries by exploring their abundant natural resources like gold, diamonds and crude oil and then, leaving them with polluted environments, contaminated water and bribing their leaders to turn a blind eye to their plea is a great injustice and can better be described as; ‘’man’s in-humanity to man’’. The world cannot truly say it has experienced justice and equity until every man whether royalty or in-rags, elite or commoner, educated or illiterate, privileged or less-privileged, rich or poor, black or white, Dick or Harry, is treated with equal respect and dignity.

Every citizen of the world should go out every day with no fear of being molested; no inferiority complex. Brave men should not be shown the prison door when they fight for human right and demonstrate courage to defend the down-trodden. No human life should be valued more than the other, no one deserves to starve when many can eat and have remains to throw to the dogs; for love’s sake, Let us consider the life of man precious as well as animals. No child deserves to stay out of school without having a thirst of the only tool that can refine the mind. No country should be exploited on the basis of technological advancement; no man’s property or belonging should be forcefully taken by a stronger party, none should be falsely accused and prosecuted. Ability should not be denied and exceptional skills should not be substituted for racial bias. For once in this world; let injustice be shown the exit door and let justice prevail until we come to the realization that; “justice to one is justice to all”.

20 comments on “ Injustice Anywhere Is a Threat to Justice Everywhere ”

This stands a chance of winning a silver ware. It hits the nail on the head without mincing words. Well structured composition and a detailed article; words spoken with grace and seasoned with salt. Keep up the good work!

This is where the truth lies… “We have to show injustice the exit.” At a time when truth, fairness, equity and justice are fallen in the world’s streets, what else do we need than a timely and needful clarion call from people who have metal-pen of diamond points.

I had to re-read the opening paragraph times over, and in the end I knew this was not fetched from the bottom of the barrel. You have hit the nail on the topic, and we are thankful for allowing us drink bountifully from your cup of wisdom

This write up is stating nothing but the explicit truth,we need men like you to tell the world this truth that has long be forgotten…keep it up.

Good and well structured write up,indeed it worth reading all through

Thank you for addressing these monsters that are tearing apart human existence in this planet of ours. Truly, the world will be a Better place if will realise that ”injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. ”

“JUSTICE TO ONE IS JUSTICE TO ALL”.-The writer’s key! The writer has been able to state some few and important forms of injustice for brevity, more are prevalent between humans and/or human-animals. However he successfully opened wide the exit gate for injustice with this key; “JUSTICE TO ONE IS JUSTICE TO ALL”. His key, a key also for all, if dilligently used in every crannies and corporations to open the exit doors for the unjust with their loggage of injustices; we would in time be left with none. THE JOB IS DONE!

FIRM AWARENESS CREATED BY THE WRITER.

Nice write up. You’ve said the truth and obviously nothing but the truth This planet is in expectant of individuals like you to change the world.

Let’s stand up and fight for our rights.Those transgressors must see these!!!!!

If justice must prevail; this essay must be shortlisted for the whole world to see and read and fight injustice. I’m highly optimistic this write-up will make a positive change in the world if many will read it. This creativity at work. Kudos to the writer and I wish you good luck. We wish to read more of your essays in the nearest future….

Great and awesome thought was shared in this write-up. It’s mind blowing

Iam perturbed to to write some because after i read d writes up , i was very benevolent and contented that indeed such person exist , iam very much happy for the word of advice not only for individuals but also for the whole world. Injustice has prevails in our world today and with my optimistic mindset , this will be the drug to the drug . thanks for the writesup is indeed a great one . Injustice is inimical but people enjoys it alot , thankGod i read all this and iam very Happy for it . no one sees this and never drop comments because indeed is d word that bring forth joy and happiness to the world

All the tips been mentioned alll said it right I know this will be a solution to the world, and i urge u to spring it up for the world to apprehend. The words are drugs curing diverse of diseases , Injustice is inimical in our society or country but people enjoys it as their birthright Justice must surely prevails as these writes up are involve Injustice kills faster than any world dealy but justice prolong life , bring peace, unity , love and integrity lifestyle With my optimistic mindset i know this will keep to a stop to this germane thought of ours Iam very much happy that indeed some persons like this really exist , thanks for u writes up ànd me keening in to it. No one can read this and not commenting because indeed is a lovely one

This is a wonderful composition, the truth has been said.

This is beautiful and timely. the world needs to see this truth so that it can become a better place for everyone to live peaceably without fear. I vote for this essay to be shortlisted so that the perpetrators of injustice can read and be enlightened….

A very good write up. I wish this can be published such that everyone can read and have a change of thought about their fellows, most especially to the privileged ones. Thanks for this wonderful thought you expressed

This is a timeless piece as the case of Injustice is one that been, that is and may still continue to be if not addressed. I really wish that write ups like this would be made to circulate the internet to bring about more awareness. A thumbs up to the writer

Thank you very much on your essay on injustice. Permit me to add some environmental injustice going on in our world. Scenario 1: People are paid to destroy their inheritance with the hope of making ends meet. Alas, they are like the Biblical Esau who mortgaged his birth right.

Scenario 2: A development project is sited in a community such as plantations with the hope of providing a source of livelihood for the people. In the long run, the ecosystem is degraded and the people used as a second level grade.

This essay is a very intelligent discussion of the facts and evil of injustice today, on local, on national and on international scales

Just reading this now, and I believe this is a eye opener to general occurrences currently happening in all works of life. This article has carefully touched all facets of life working principally towards conquering issues that are germain and highly fundamental towards having a society void of societal issues.

Kudos sir, and more wisdom to your knowledge

This is an interesting and eye-opening essay. I am enlightened and inspired to join in the fight against injustice in our society and the world at large. I encourage others to join in the battle to ensure that justice prevail everywhere. Thanks to the writer.

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15 Quotes Exposing Injustice in Society

Injustice takes many forms. Racial discrimination, sexism, unfair wages, poverty and other violations of human rights are just a few examples. When injustice is exposed, people are better equipped to call for accountability and make changes that build a better, more just world for everyone. Here are 15 quotes on exposing injustice in society:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was an American minister and figurehead of the Civil Rights Movement. His activism focused on racial equality, economic justice, peace and human rights. The quote above comes from the famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” which King wrote while imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama. King’s letter confronted the religious leaders who wondered why King, who was from Georgia, should care so much about issues in Alabama. Injustice is never isolated to one area. It threatens everyone.

“Some things you must always be unable to bear. Some things you must never stop refusing to bear. Injustice and outrage and dishonor and shame. No matter how young you are or how old you have got. Not for kudos and not for cash: your picture in the paper nor money in the bank either. Just refuse to bear them.” – William Faulkner

William Faulkner (1897-1962) was an American writer considered one of the 20th century’s best novelists. Many of his works focus on Yoknapatawpha County, a fictional Mississippi county. Intruder in the Dark, which the quote above is from, is one example. In the story, a 16-year-old boy tries to save the life of an elderly Black man who is falsely arrested for murder.

“All too often, when we see injustices, both great and small, we think, That’s terrible, but we do nothing. We say nothing. We let other people fight their own battles. We remain silent because silence is easier. Qui tacet consentire videtur is Latin for ‘Silence gives consent.’ When we say nothing, when we do nothing, we are consenting to these trespasses against us.” – Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay is an acclaimed writer and cultural critic. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Tin House, McSweeny’s and many other publications. Bad Feminist , which is where the quote is from, explores being a feminist while also loving things that could be seen as problematic. As Gay describes, it’s easy to see injustices as terrible things that have nothing to do with us, but staying silent creates a culture that accepts injustice.

“I guess the only time most people think about injustice is when it happens to them.” – Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski (1920-1994) was an underground writer and poet who focused on the gritty side of American life. His style was straightforward, blunt and often violent. The quote above comes from Ham on Rye, Bukowsi’s semi-autobiographical novel, and while it’s not inspirational, it exposes a harsh truth: most people don’t pay attention to injustice until they’re affected.

Activism is vital to addressing injustice and fighting for equality. Here are 15 quotes on activism .

“A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served.” – John Lewis

John Lewis (1940-2020) was a Civil Rights leader and politician . As one of the “Big Six” leaders, he organized and participated in sit-ins, boycotts and marches. In his later years as a congressman, he fought for equality, social justice and human rights. In the quote above, he describes how justice can’t be doled out to just a few people. Without accountability and justice for all, there can be no peace or democracy.

“There are wrongs which even the grave does not bury.” – Harriet Jacobs

Harriet Jacobs (1813-1897) was an American abolitionist and author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, an autobiography. She was the first woman to write a fugitive slave narrative in the US, and one of the first to articulate the sexual violence experienced by enslaved women and girls. After the war, she worked in relief work serving formerly enslaved people. While the people who commit injustice – and those who endure it – pass on, there are certain wrongs (like slavery) that resonate through time. Achieving justice requires acknowledgment.

“If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected — those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most! — and listens to their testimony.” – James Baldwin

James Baldwin (1924-1987) was a celebrated American writer and intellectual who explored topics like race and identity. As a gay Black man, Baldwin experienced intersectional discrimination in the United States. He lived and traveled abroad for much of his life. He is best known for works like The Fire Next Time, Giovanni’s Room and Go Tell It on the Mountain. The quote above, which is from the book No Name in the Street , describes how people need to talk directly to those who need justice, as opposed to those responsible for doling it out.

“When I liberate myself, I liberate others. If you don’t speak out ain’t nobody going to speak out for you.” – Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was a civil rights activist known for pursuing voting and economic rights. She began her activism after learning Black people were being denied the right to vote, despite it being legal. She organized groups, and after being denied a vote because of an unjust literacy test, Hamer was fired and turned out of her home. She continued to fight for equality despite frequent harassment and violence.

Are you interested in learning more about civil rights? Here’s our article on Civil Rights 101.

“Injustice makes the rules, and courage breaks them.” – Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) was an American science fiction writer famous for complex and philosophical novels and short stories. The quote above comes from the essay and short story collection Tales From Earthsea, which addresses themes like gender equality, power, identity and more.

“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” – Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) was a Romanian Jewish writer and activis t best known for his memoir, Night , which captures Wiesel’s experiences of the Holocaust. Wiesel became a well-known speaker who advocated for peace, justice and quality. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. The quote above comes from his acceptance speech. Sometimes, there’s very little we can do to stop injustice, but as Wiesel said, we must always raise our voices against it.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” – Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) was an Anglican minister and activist known for his work on equality and justice. In 1984, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for opposing apartheid, which was a system of racial segregation in South Africa. After apartheid was dismantled, Nelson Mandela appointed Tutu as the head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated human rights abuses during apartheid. Tutu took a side during apartheid and remained on the side of justice throughout his life.

“You can also commit injustice by doing nothing.” – Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius (121 CE-180 CE) was a Roman emperor known for Meditations, a personal collection of writings and thoughts on Stoic philosophy. Stoicism, which has origins in ancient Greece and Rome, teaches the values of wisdom, courage, moderation, justice and living in alignment with nature. As others have declared after him, Marcus Aurelius believed doing nothing could be a form of injustice.

“To forgive and accept injustice is cowardice.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was an Indian anti-colonist nationalist, lawyer and icon of civil disobedience . Globally famous for his nonviolent tactics, Gandhi played a vital role in India’s battle for independence from Great Britain. He also worked for peace between Hindus and Muslims. In 1948, he was assassinated. While he promoted peace, Gandhi taught that it should never come at the expense of justice. It takes bravery to stand for what’s right.

“One had better die fighting against injustice than die like a dog or a rat in a trap.” – Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) was a journalist, researcher and activist famous for chronicling the injustices of the American South. Without Wells’ work, the prevalence of lynching would be lost to time. She also traveled internationally to raise awareness of lynching and violence. White supremacists targeted her, and at one time, her press was burned down and she was forced to leave for her safety. Despite the threats, she was willing to risk her life to expose injustice.

“Let us be enraged about injustice, but let us not be destroyed by it.” – Bayard Rustin

Bayard Rustin (1912-1987) was a Civil Rights activist who served as a key organizer for the March on Washington. He was also one of Martin Luther King Jr’s closest advisors and an openly gay man. As an activist who worked for decades, he witnessed and experienced injustice of all kinds, but as he makes clear in the quote above, we cannot let that destroy us. That’s how oppression wins.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.