Ron Dellums Quotes

Powerful Ron Dellums for Daily Growth

About Ron Dellums

Ron Dellums (born May 24, 1935) is an esteemed American author, activist, and former politician. Born in Oakland, California, Dellums grew up during the turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement, which significantly influenced his life and work. He attended San Francisco State College and later served in the United States Marine Corps. In 1958, Dellums was elected to the Berkeley City Council at the age of 23, becoming one of the youngest council members in California's history. This early political success was followed by a successful career in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oakland from 1971 until his resignation in 1998. Throughout his tenure, Dellums was a strong advocate for peace, civil rights, and social justice. As an author, Dellums has penned several books that delve into the complexities of American politics, race relations, and international affairs. His notable works include "The Abolition of War" (1987), which argues against war as a means for resolving conflicts, and "Lies Across America: What Our Presidents Don't Tell Us – And Why" (2004), in which he examines instances of deception by U.S. presidents throughout history. Post-Congress, Dellums served as the Mayor of Oakland from 2007 to 2011, focusing on issues such as crime reduction and affordable housing. Today, Ron Dellums remains an influential figure in American politics, renowned for his commitment to peace, justice, and transparency. His work continues to inspire generations of activists and politicians striving for a more equitable society.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The real resource of a community is its people."

This quote emphasizes that the true wealth of a community lies in its people, not in material resources or infrastructure alone. The 'people' encompass all individuals who make up the community – their skills, knowledge, creativity, resilience, and diversity are what truly drive the success and progress of any community. Investing in education, health, and personal development of these individuals is key to fostering a strong, thriving, and sustainable community.


"The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people."

This quote emphasizes the profound impact of apathy and inaction during times of injustice or oppression. It suggests that the indifference or silence of those who could make a difference is more devastating than the actions of oppressors themselves. The ultimate tragedy lies not just in the acts of cruelty, but also in the failure to challenge or prevent them. This highlights the importance of speaking up and taking action against injustice for a more equitable society.


"I believe in a society where every man, woman, and child can live free from violence, fear, want, or prejudice."

This quote by Ron Dellums envisions a socially just and equitable society where all individuals are free from physical harm, psychological distress, economic hardship, and discrimination based on factors like race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. It underscores the importance of creating an environment that prioritizes the safety, well-being, and dignity of every member in the community.


"We have an obligation to ourselves as human beings to seek out the truth and then act upon it."

This quote emphasizes the importance of truth-seeking and action in our lives as humans. It suggests that we owe it to ourselves to diligently find the truth about things, and not settle for half-truths or misinformation. Once we've uncovered the truth, we should act upon it, taking responsible steps to use this knowledge constructively in our personal lives and society at large. In essence, it encourages us to pursue knowledge, integrity, and active citizenship.


"Power concedes nothing without a demand." (This quote is not originally by Ron Dellums but has been frequently attributed to him due to its use in his speeches.)

This quote emphasizes that change or concessions will never be granted voluntarily by those who hold power; rather, they must be demanded through persistent action and assertiveness. It suggests a call-to-action for individuals or groups seeking change, encouraging them to demand their rights and needs with determination in order to effect positive transformation.


If you're going to use the public resources, you need the public benefit.

- Ron Dellums

Need, Going, Public, Benefit

If the truth be known, we are on the verge of losing an entire generation of our young people, killing and dying in the streets of America.

- Ron Dellums

Generation, Young, Streets, Verge

If Ron Dellums running for mayor gives you hope, then let's get on with it.

- Ron Dellums

Running, Mayor, Get, Ron

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.