When you go through all your life processing and abusing your hair so it will look like the hair of another race of people then you are making a statement and the statement is clear
Assata ShakurRead
I am a 20th century escaped slave. Because of government persecution, I was left with no other choice than to flee from the political repression, racism and violence that dominate the U.S. government’s policy towards people of color.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote speaks to the struggles and resilience of individuals facing oppression and injustice.
Assata Shakur's quote illustrates the profound impact of systemic oppression, specifically highlighting the experiences of people of color in the United States. She metaphorically identifies herself as an 'escaped slave,' which powerfully emphasizes her plight against the political repression, racism, and violence ingrained in government policies. This statement serves as both a testament to her courage in seeking freedom and a critical reflection on the ongoing struggles against injustice.
Themes
OppressionFreedomRacismResilienceCourage
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a speech on civil rights and the importance of standing against oppression.
More from Assata Shakur
All quotes →Part of being a revolutionary is creating a vision that is more humane. That is more fun, too. That is more loving. It's really working to create something beautiful.
Assata ShakurRead
We had to learn that we're beautiful. We had to relearn something forcefully taken from us. We had to learn about Black power. People have power if we unite. We learned the importance of coming together and being active
Assata ShakurRead
I was sentenced to life plus 30 years by an all-White jury. What I saw in prison was wall-to-wall Black flesh in chains. Women caged in cells. But we're the terrorists. It just doesn't make sense.
Assata ShakurRead
My life wasn't beautiful and creative before I became politically active. My life was totally changed when I began to struggle.
Assata ShakurRead
Peace is a rare gift. Peace of mind, peaceful sleeps, and peaceful spirits are all luxuries that few rebels can ever afford.
Assata ShakurRead
Similar quotes
Gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience. Our strength as a people is not tested during the best of times.
Thabo MbekiRead
I had build up false pictures in my mind and sat before them. I had never had the courage to demand the truth.
Daphne Du MaurierRead
I am the voice of the voiceless; Through me the dumb shall speak. Till the deaf world's ears be made to hear. The wrongs of the wordless weak. And I am my brothers keeper, And I will fight his fights; And speak the words for beast and bird. Till the world shall set things right.
Ella Wheeler WilcoxRead
When the men are silent, it is our duty to raise our voices in behalf of our ideals.
Clara ZetkinRead
It is important not only to have the awareness and to feel impelled to become involved, it's important that there be a forum out there to which one can relate, an organization- a movement.
Angela DavisRead
A few fly bites cannot stop a spirited horse.
Mark TwainRead