Parenting Quote by Derrick Bell
![“Harry Belafonte explained: [T]he Second World War happened, and my mother told me that the fight against Hitler was our fight, and I went off, just like that. We were fighting against tyranny, fighting for freedom. But when we-the Black soldiers-came home, we found it was business as usual. There…” quote by Derrick Bell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ed7/derrick-bell-16993_parenting_harry-belafonte-explained-t-he-second-wo_528143.jpg)
““Harry Belafonte explained: [T]he Second World War happened, and my mother told me that the fight against Hitler was our fight, and I went off, just like that. We were fighting against tyranny, fighting for freedom. But when we-the Black soldiers-came home, we found it was business as usual. There were no changes in the segregation laws. There was no right to vote. And yet being part of that war changed something in us-we'd had a peek at freedom. I knew if I could fight for it over there, I could fight for it in America.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Oral History Project, 1975
Experiencing war abroad revealed the promise of freedom, highlighting the injustice of domestic segregation and inspiring activism for civil rights.
In simple terms: War showed freedom; home remained unequal.
Key Takeaway
Use the glimpse of freedom to fight injustice at home.
Themes
civil rights
war
freedom
injustice
activism
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
inspirational
historical
When to use this quote
- veteran activism
- civil rights protests
- community organizing
- educational outreach
Key Concepts
racial equality
political consciousness
social change
Questions to Reflect On
- How did wartime service reshape your view of American democracy?
- What actions can translate wartime ideals into peacetime reforms?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook the varied experiences of Black soldiers who faced discrimination even within the military.
