Eric JonesMay 23, 2014 Final Essay Embracing the Power Asa Philip Randolph made a powerful statement saying, “Freedom is never given; it is won” (Randolph). These were the words of a humble, strong and risk-taking man who had ideas and determination to make a difference within his community for rights and freedom. Following Randolph's path were Malcolm Asa Philip Randolph was the first person who took on different roles in groups, organized protests and marches to make sure the message was known and stop the hatred against African Americans. His motivation was to witness the way African Americans were treated in the community and the hatred against them for no reason. Randolph's beliefs and his motivational speeches led him to organize one of the most talked about historic marches, namely the March on Washington to ensure that African Americans had their rights and make sure that he was heard. Asa Philip Randolph was born in 1889 in Crescent City, Florida, into a poor family (Sawinski). The Randolph family was strong in religion and education. Despite the family's difficulty making ends meet, James William Randolph taught his children to read and refused to use segregated facilities (Sawinski). In 1903, Randolph attended Cookman Institute, an all-black Methodist school where he excelled. Randolph had a great mind when it came to coming up with ideas (McNeill). The college offered a free education to those with strong academic abilities in college, also Randolph was interested in politics and organized his own political group, the Independent Political Council (McNeill). He... middle of paper... He had witnessed how African Americans were treated badly because of the color of their skin; he felt it wasn't the right thing to do because everyone should be treated equally. Following his path of hard work and making a difference were Malcolm they have come a long way from being enslaved, beaten and humiliated because of their skin. It impacts us because now if we see it we say something because we know it's not right and it's really cruel. The lesson from this is to show that we could all take a stand, no matter what, and not with violence, all you need is motivation, determination and confidence to stand up for what you believe in..