Quotes from 7 Black Women to honor Black Womens History Week!
As we celebrate Black History Month and approach Women’s History month, it is a great time to reflect on the works of political black women. Leaders like Rosa Parks, Dr Angela Davis and Harrie Tubman are just a few black women that have paved the way towards freedom and liberation for all. Because of this, contemporary movements like the Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and the larger movement for intersectional liberation has some blueprints to follow. In the same way that movements have drawn on the work of these women, we can also look to their words for guidance and inspiration. With that, please see a few quotes that some of the most accomplished political black womens have given us, followed by some ways we can use these words to navigate today’s political climate.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
― Harriet Tubman
One way that oppression limits people is through crippling your ability to imagine a better reality. As we do the work to create the world we want to live in, it is imperative that we start with a vision for this new world. If we do not know what we want, how will we know when we have it? With that vision, we must also believe that we are worth the vision as well. On the cusp of a planned insurrection, police brutality and a global pandemic, this moment requires new dreams, new visions and new actions!
“History isn’t something you look back at and say it was inevitable, it happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities.”
― Marsha P johnson
This moment provides us with the opportunity to shift the realities of our society for decades to come. This moment also requires bold and swift action in order to correct issues of the past. Whatever we do with this moment will alter the future for generations to come and we need to demand the most radical change ever. We have to lean into the unknowns and take advantage of the current momentum.
“There is little place in the political scheme of things for an independent, creative personality, for a fighter. Anyone who takes that role must pay a price.”
― Shirley Chisholm
When you are trying to effect change, you must understand if there are risks involved. A lot of the leaders that we honor for their work out their lives on the line to fight for a better world. We have to make sure we are prepared and know what to expect as we do this work. We must also be in the best company that will help keep us safe.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
― Rosa Parks
Sometimes leaders are thought of as righteous, truth-seekers that are brave and always ready to do what is right. While this may be true, leaders can also experience fear as well. The difference is that change-makers understand the importance of acknowledging that fear and are still fueled by the work that they are doing. Your convictions will keep you motivated to make change, even if you are fearful.
“There is one thing you have got to learn about our movement. Three people are better than no people.”
It is easy to get discouraged when you are working for a cause that is not as well-known as other causes. Luckily for us, movements are not measured only by numbers, but with the impact made by the people that are touched. You are also to create your own metrics for success and work towards a larger reach.
“Walls turned sideways are bridges.”
As we fight towards equity for all people, the reality is accountability is required before we can move towards unity. Radical action is not always comfortable but is necessary is we want to get to truth, reconciliation and justice.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare,”
― Audre Lorde
As we face the true state of our nation, it is easy to believe that we have to work around the clock to get to justice as soon as possible. While I can understand this, it is important that we rest for the movement as well. Part of our culture depends on people of color, especially black women and femmes, overworking ourselves in service of others. We must work to reprogram how we relate to ourselves.
With the current political climate, it is easy to feel hopelessness. On the day where we feel like we don’t know what to do or where to start, we can look to these quotes for motivation and the courage to move forward. Let these words guide you, affirm you and give your strength!
