“Damn us all then, is it?” he yelled. “Jimmy, Martin, me, our entire generation isn’t up to snuff because we didn’t burn the country to the ground! No, sir, all we ever achieved was securing rights you take for granted!” The thunder in his voice left me speechless. Rustin took a long beat to consider his next words carefully. “It is difficult for the young to understand the strictures of the past. You want your elders to have fought every slight and grievous offense that came our way. But remember, at all times—even yours, even now—there are unjust laws and customs we abide. If you don’t
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