This is a powerful statement. But I am unsure of the meaning. Is she saying "after all of this that has happened to us, we want to register" or is she saying "with all of this having happened to us, we still want to register". Please respond to me your opinions on what it means. With either interpretation, I think that this is a statement that emphasizes the importance of voting and representation for the black community. It signifies both what they were willing to go through to vote and how important it is to them to change the America that they lived in.

I found this sentence to stand out due to the fact that it seemed as if people of authority were doing everything they could to create limitations and drawbacks for black Americans. Being ticketed for driving the "wrong color" seems excessive and as if it was a ploy to inconvenience black Americans and make them feel inferior. This was an everyday life of these people. Simple daily tasks being continuously restricted mad extremely challenging by whites who felt they were superior.

"The opportunity to be truly recognized and genuinely considered as a community equal to the white race is more valuable than it just being a requirement by law that these rights are given to us. "

I think Washington is trying to say that it's not just the law that needs to be changed. Its people, their way of thinking, their regards towards the black community, etc. Washington is recognizing the need to prioritize the economy, and workforce in order for his community to establish their importance and contribution to society. In return, this establishment will allow them to move forward seeking more opportunity, rights, and power in the US.