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
It is the obligation of every person who claims to oppose oppression to resist the oppressor by every means at his or her disposal. Not to engage in physical resistance, armed resistance to oppression, is to serve the interests of the oppressor; no more, no less. There are no exceptions to the rule, no easy out.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One must actively resist oppression to truly oppose it, as inaction only benefits the oppressor.
This quote emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals to actively fight against oppression. Assata Shakur argues that failing to resist, particularly through physical means when necessary, effectively aids those who oppress others. It highlights that there are no exceptions to this duty; a passive stance does not contribute to justice and merely perpetuates the status quo.
Themes
OppressionResistanceActivismCourageInjustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a human rights rally to inspire attendees to take action 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.
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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
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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.
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My life wasn't beautiful and creative before I became politically active. My life was totally changed when I began to struggle.
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Peace is a rare gift. Peace of mind, peaceful sleeps, and peaceful spirits are all luxuries that few rebels can ever afford.
Assata ShakurRead
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