we are not here to tolerate our difference, we are here to accept them. We are not here to celebrate our sameness, we are here to salute our distinctions. We are not born into equal circumstances but to equal abilities, but we should have equal opportunities. As individuals we unite in our values.

We must learn about each other and the power of our diversity.

Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another.

Out of difference can come the reinforcement of two important values. One is tolerance and the other is awareness that people who disagree over the things they hold dear really can live together in love and respect.

To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are.

Before we can forgive one another, we have to understand one another.

Recognizing and confronting our history is important. Transcending our history is essential. We are not limited by what we have done, or what we have left undone. We are limited only by what we are willing to do.

It’s the people who feel strong and good about themselves inside who are best able to accept outside differences — their own or others‘. We help children develop this ability every time we affirm how special they are to us for being themselves, and how special to us are all the things that make each person different from anyone else.

To be one, to be united is a great thing but respect the right to be different is maybe even greater.

If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice, have recognition for difference without attaching difference to privilege.

I wonder how it is that we are all connected despite our tremendous differences.

For every door that’s been opened to me, I’ve tried to open my door to others. And here is what I have to say, finally: Let’s invite one another in. Maybe then we can begin to fear less, to make fewer wrong assumptions, to let go of the biases and stereotypes that unnecessarily divide us. Maybe we can better embrace the ways we are the same. It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about where you get yourself in the end. There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there’s grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for me, is how we become.

For our dialogue to be open, we need to open our hearts, set aside our prejudices, listen deeply, and represent truthfully what we know and understand.

People try to accept themselves in order to be different, and try to surrender themselves in order to have more self-respect in their own eyes — or