America Quote by Martin Luther King, Jr
“It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked 'insufficient funds.'”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Civil Rights Address, 1965
America has failed its Black citizens, giving them promises that are not fulfilled, akin to a bad check.
In simple terms: America broke promises to Black people.
Key Takeaway
Address broken promises.
Themes
justice
race
economics
Mood
hopeful
urgent
Type
inspirational
activist
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- community organizing
- education
- legal challenges
Key Concepts
systemic inequality
civil rights
economic disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society repair broken promises?
- What policies can ensure equity?
A Different Perspective
Solutions require systemic change beyond acknowledgment.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
