Helen Keller, Speech at the International Convention (1925)

Sandy (United States of America)
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions Clubs International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, successfully challenging the organization to become "knights of the blind" and adopt sight preservation as their primary service mission.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. capricious
    determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
    I suppose you have heard the legend that represents opportunity as a capricious lady, who knocks at every door but once, and if the door isn't opened quickly, she passes on, never to return.
  2. foundation
    an institution supported by an endowment
    The American Foundation for the Blind is only four years old.
  3. imperative
    requiring attention or action
    It grew out of the imperative needs of the blind, and was called into existence by the sightless themselves.
  4. enlightened
    characterized by full comprehension of the problem involved
    It represents the best and most enlightened thought on our subject that has been reached so far.
  5. worthwhile
    sufficiently valuable to justify the investment of time
    Its object is to make the lives of the blind more worthwhile everywhere by increasing their economic value and giving them the joy of normal activity.
  6. stricken
    grievously affected especially by disease
    Try to imagine how you would feel if you were suddenly stricken blind today.
  7. grope
    feel about uncertainly or blindly
    Picture yourself stumbling and groping at noonday as in the night; your work, your independence, gone.
  8. sympathy
    sharing the feelings of others, especially sorrow or anguish
    The gift without the sympathy and interest of the giver is empty.
  9. triumph
    prove superior
    If you care, if we can make the people of this great country care, the blind will indeed triumph over blindness.
  10. sponsor
    assume a position as a supporter
    The opportunity I bring to you, Lions, is this: To foster and sponsor the work of the American Foundation for the Blind.
  11. hasten
    speed up the progress of; facilitate
    Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided?
  12. unaided
    carried out without assistance
    Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided?
  13. appeal
    request earnestly; ask for aid or protection
    I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind.
  14. constitute
    form or compose
    Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?
  15. crusade
    a series of actions tending toward a particular end
    Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?
Created on Fri Apr 03 11:47:06 EDT 2026 (updated Tue Apr 14 14:25:42 EDT 2026)

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