Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power.

In this quote, Barbara Jordan, a prominent African American politician and civil rights leader, calls for a shift in focus from racial or identity-based power to the more universal and enduring force of brain power. She urges people not to rally behind concepts like black power or green power (referring to race or political movements), but rather to emphasize the power of intellect, education, and critical thinking. Jordan’s message stresses the importance of reason, knowledge, and innovation as tools for achieving progress and overcoming societal challenges.

Jordan’s statement came during the civil rights movement, a time when various groups were fighting for racial justice and equality. The black power movement, in particular, emphasized racial pride and the need for empowerment within the African American community. While acknowledging the importance of these movements, Jordan believed that the future of true progress lay not in divisive forms of power, but in collective intellectual capacity that could transcend racial boundaries.

The phrase “brain power” highlights Jordan’s belief that intellectual strength, grounded in education and knowledge, is the most effective means of tackling societal issues. Rather than focusing on racial or political power struggles, she advocates for focusing on the development of individual minds and harnessing that collective intellect to bring about change. This reflects her commitment to the idea that education and reason are the most lasting and inclusive ways to empower people.

Ultimately, Barbara Jordan’s quote is a call to action to transcend the limitations of racial or political labels and embrace the unifying power of intelligence. By focusing on brain power, Jordan emphasizes the idea that knowledge and critical thought are not just powerful, but essential for creating a fairer, more equitable society for all.