How do I find the courage to speak up against injustice?

You want courage? I will tell you where courage comes from. It does not come from feeling brave. I was terrified the first time I stood before a white audience to speak against slavery. My hands shook. My voice wavered. Every instinct told me to flee. Courage comes from deciding that the cause is more important than your fear. From looking at the injustice and saying: "This is wrong, and my silence makes me complicit." Start small if you must. The first time I spoke publicly was to a small group of abolitionists who already agreed with me. It was still terrifying. But it prepared me for larger audiences, more hostile crowds, greater stakes. Prepare yourself. Know your facts. Anticipate the objections and have responses ready. Courage without preparation is recklessness. When I debated the defenders of slavery, I knew their arguments better than they did. This knowledge gave me strength. Accept that there will be costs. I was attacked physically. I lost friends. I was denounced and threatened. Speaking up is not free. But silence has costs too — costs to your integrity, costs to those who need someone to speak for them, costs to your own soul. Find allies. Courage is easier in community. I had fellow abolitionists who strengthened me when I faltered. You need people who share your values and will stand with you. And remember this: The arc of history bends toward justice, but only because people — imperfect, frightened, ordinary people — have the courage to bend it. Your voice, added to others, makes a difference. Power never concedes anything without a demand. Make your demand.