I'm told I'm a statistic. I'm told that my young black sisters are disease-ridden... but we are greater than what society tells us we are.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes resilience and the rejection of negative societal stereotypes.
Jurnee Smollett-Bell's quote challenges the dehumanizing statistics and stereotypes often associated with young black women, asserting their strength and worth beyond societal labels. It speaks to the importance of self-identity and the power of overcoming prejudiced views through self-empowerment and collective strength.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech encouraging young women to embrace their identity.
Oftentimes, a history book in school will talk about the Underground Railroad as if it's one sentence. But thousands of people decided to run, and they single-handedly changed the trajectory of our nation. By running to the North, they put a face to slavery, which recruited a lot of abolitionists.
Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.
It's alright to feel fear, but sometimes a very bad idea to show it.
Tell him yes. Even if you are dying of fear, even if you are sorry later, because whatever you do, you will be sorry all the rest of your life if you say no.
If we despond, public confidence is destroyed, the people will no longer yield their support to a hopeless contest, and American liberty is no more. Through the darkness which shrouds our prospects, the ark of safety is visible. Despondency becomes not the dignity of our cause, nor the character of those who are its supporters.
Continue to be bold, courageous. Try to choose the wisest thing and once you've chosen the wisest thing go out and try to achieve it. Be it.
But the thing that I saw in your face no power can disinherit: No bomb that ever burst shatters the crystal spirit.
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