Civil Rights
On our blog, we share our Quote of the Week as well as other insights about our work and about our community. As our society continues to struggle with some of the same issues that Sargent Shriver focused on -- poverty, racism, inequality, war -- we believe it's important to share our stories with each other. Do you have a story to share about Sargent Shriver or about one of the issues he cared about? Share your story with us by emailing it to info@sargentshriver.org. Maybe we'll post it here!
Aug
30
Reflecting on Civil Rights and Human Rights, 58 Years after the March on Washington
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week was chosen in celebration of the 58th anniversary of the March on Washington (August 28, 1963), in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I have a dream" speech. It reminds us that if the United States is to have any kind of international authority in...
Aug
09
Marking the Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week emphasizes a struggle for equality and universal rights that comes to mind today as we mark the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.Sargent Shriver spoke these words at his 1961 Address to the Catholic Interracial Council in Chicago. They were part of his introduction...
Feb
22
For Black History Month, Some Words about Racism from Shriver and King
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quotes of the Week stand together as a stark reminder: that racism causes us to exploit and harm Black Americans first and foremost, but that ultimately, it damages all of us, and particularly those who are struggling economically.In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to pair a quote by...
Oct
26
A Message About Justice from the Campaign Trail
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week, from Sargent Shriver's 1972 Vice Presidential campaign, makes a statement about justice that continues to feel timely, and urgent, in 2020.In an explosive and sweeping campaign speech to Black broadcasters at the National Association of Radio and Television Announcers,...
Oct
12
Honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week has been chosen in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Acknowledging our country's history of violence and oppression towards our Native American siblings is an important step towards achieving equal justice and opportunity for them and for all of us.In 1965, Sargent Shriver...
Aug
03
Remembering John Lewis
Our Quote of the Week pays tribute to Congressman John Lewis (February 14, 1940-July 17, 2020). Although we lost Rep. Lewis to pancreatic cancer in July, his example of leadership and service will continue to guide and inspire us for generations to come.On April 27, 2001, the Shriver Center...
Jul
13
"The only just, fundamental, and permanent remedy" for discrimination
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week marks the seventh anniversary of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Although spoken 64 years ago, Sargent Shriver's words remind us of one of Black Lives Matter's fundamental messages: that we cannot rest until we achieve equal justice and protection for our African American...
Jun
15
The Cost of White Supremacy
by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute
Our Quote of the Week shines a light on a basic truth: that to continue to uphold white supremacy in the United States is ultimately destructive for all of us.In 1957, Sargent Shriver spoke these words at Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Church. He was the head of the Public School Board and the...
