"If Liberia has failed, then, it is no evidence of the failure of the Negro in government. It is merely evidence of the failure of slavery"
- Carter G. Woodson
About this Quote
This quote by Carter G. Woodson is an effective statement about the failure of slavery and its results on the African American population. Woodson is stating that the failure of Liberia, a nation established by freed servants, is not a reflection of the failure of African Americans in government, but rather a reflection of the failure of slavery. He is highlighting that the failure of Liberia is not due to the absence of capability of African Americans, however rather due to the oppressive and harmful impacts of slavery. Woodson is making the point that African Americans have the potential to succeed in government, however they have been prevented by the tradition of slavery. He is requiring a more fair society where African Americans can have the exact same chances as everybody else. Woodson's quote is an effective reminder of the requirement for social justice and equality for all.
"Don't be afraid to fail. Don't waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It's OK to fail. If you're not failing, you're not growing"