Ragtime (1981)

Ted Ross: Black Lawyer

Quotes 

• Black Lawyer : [Coalhouse tries to sue for his car being damaged]  Well, what's your financial situation like?

  Coalhouse Walker Jr. : [sighs]  I have a little laid by. I planned to use it on my wedding, but I guess it'll have to wait.

  Black Lawyer : Hmm. Mr. Walker, let me give you some advice. You spend the money on your wedding. Build yourself a home and a family where you can find some comfort. And just forget that some damn white man caused you offense.

  Coalhouse Walker Jr. : And that's your advice?

  Black Lawyer : That's my advice, and I pray you take it to heart.

  Coalhouse Walker Jr. : Just forget it? Is that it?

  Black Lawyer : I've spent my whole life forgetting. You're a young man. You better start learning now.

  Coalhouse Walker Jr. : Learning what? How to be a nigger?

  Black Lawyer : [after a pause]  Mr. Walker, I'll thank you to leave. I have some charity cases you know nothing of. I got clients with real problems - starvation, illness, dispossession. Yes, I want justice for our people. Yes, I do. I want it so bad, I can taste it. If you think I'll go to Westchester County pleading on the behalf of a colored man that somebody dirtied his fancy car, you are very much mistaken. Now, please, you take this and leave my office.

  [Gives Coalhouse papers]