Lean on Me (1989)
Tyrone Jackson: Clarence
Quotes
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Leonna Barrett : [as the crowd is chanting "FREE MR. CLARK"] Listen to me! People, please! You must all disperse and return to your homes! Your presence here is helping no one! Why don't you use your brains and listen?
Clarence : [stepping up to take the megaphone and turn on the siren] Everybody, come on, listen up! Now let's just settle down, give her a chance to talk. She might actually have something to say. Now everybody just chill, settle down, and let's listen to the old loudmouth wench!
[Everyone laughs and cheers as he hands her back the megaphone]
Leonna Barrett : [as she is talking on the megaphone, Mr. Clark approaches the doorway at the top of the City Hall stairs] You can call me what you want, but the simple fact is as follows: Mr. Clark has broken the laws of the state, and exposed you all to grave danger.
[Everyone boos and protests]
Leonna Barrett : His behavior is irresponsible. Chaining those doors was a criminal act. Why do you think they call him Crazy Joe?
Thomas Sams : Because you all don't understand him!
Maria : He chained those doors to keep out the drug dealers, and to make us all feel safe. You talk about upholding the law, but you're twisting the law. The laws are made to protect the people, and that's what he's doing for us. That's ALL he's doing for us!
[Everyone applauds in agreement]
Reggie : The thing you don't understand is that Mr. Clark believes in us. He's provided an environment...
Kaneesha Carter : [to Reggie] He don't believe in YOU, 'cause you don't take care of your responsibilities!
[everyone points and laughs at him]
Leonna Barrett : Despite what he himself may believe, Mr. Clark is not Eastside High!
Kaneesha Carter : Mr. Clark doesn't CLAIM to be Eastside High! Still, he's been like a father to some of us who grew up without fathers! But you wouldn't know, because you couldn't care less about that!
Leonna Barrett : People, just hear me! The school board is meeting right now. And I promise you, we will give you what Eastside High deserves: a good principal!
Thomas Sams : We don't NEED a good principal! That's why we're here! WE *NEED* MR. CLARK!
