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
As far as I was concerned, the Panthers were 'baaaaaad.' The Party was more than bad; it was bodacious. The sheer audacity of walking onto the California Senate floor with rifles, demanding that Black people have the right to bear arms and the right to self-defense, made me sit back and take a long look at them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the boldness and determination of the Panthers in demanding rights and self-defense for Black people.
Assata Shakur reflects on the audacity and bravery of the Panthers in their fight for civil rights, highlighting the significance of their actions and the challenges they faced. The statement reveals how their willingness to challenge authority and advocate for their rights made a strong impact and prompted serious contemplation on the injustices prevalent in society.
Themes
AudacityRightsSelf-DefenseBlack EmpowermentCourage
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about civil rights activism to underscore the importance of courage in fighting for justice.
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
On the day when I was shot, all of my friends' faces were covered, except mine.
Malala YousafzaiRead
Fate gave to man the courage of endurance.
Ludwig Van BeethovenRead
If you have never been called a defiant, incorrigible, impossible woman… have faith. There is yet time.
Clarissa Pinkola EstesRead
If none of us ever read a book that was "dangerous," had a friend who was "different," or joined an organization that advocated "change," we would all be the kind of people Joe McCarthy wants.
Edward R. MurrowRead
If it is nothingness that awaits us, let us make an injustice of it, let us fight against destiny, even without hope of victory.
Miguel De UnamunoRead
After my accident, I never worried about how I looked.
Niki LaudaRead