"If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed by the hand that pushes him into the ghetto, he will never become strong enough to get out of the ghetto"

Carter G. Woodson's quote highlights the cycle of oppression that has plagued Black neighborhoods in America. Woodson argues that if Black people are constantly reliant on the very same systems of power that are accountable for their systemic injustice, they will never be able to break free from the cycle of poverty and marginalization. This strengthens the concept that true freedom and equality can just originate from empowering Black people to become self-dependent and independent, instead of perpetuating the systems that keep them depending on outside support. The quote is a call to action for those in power to do more to attend to the root causes of systemic oppression and support Black communities in becoming self-governing and successful entities.