to that piece in each of us that refuses to be silent.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing and expressing our inner truths, even in the face of adversity.
Audre Lorde's quote, 'to that piece in each of us that refuses to be silent,' highlights the inherent strength within individuals to speak out against injustice and societal expectations. It calls for acknowledging and nurturing the voice that stands up for one's beliefs and authentic self, encouraging individuals to resist conforming to silence and instead advocate for their rights and identities.
In practice
During a speech at a rally advocating for civil rights.
The fact that we are here and that I speak these words is an attempt to break that silence and bridge some of those differences between us, for it is not difference which immobilizes us, but silence. And there are so many silences to be broken.
There is no thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.
There are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt.
I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.
I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.
There's always someone asking you to underline one piece of yourself - whether it's Black, woman, mother, dyke, teacher, etc. - because that's the piece that they need to key in to. They want to dismiss everything else.
Fear is never a reason for quitting; it is only an excuse.
There are no halfway measures against bigotry, hatred and anti-Semitism. It's got to be rejected totally.
Terrorism will spill over if you don't speak up.
It's an honor to be awarded the Liberty Medal.
Courage is a kind of salvation.
It was rough being dark. I got heat from my own people more than anyone else. I remember going to my mom and saying, 'Why am I so black?' And she said, 'Because I'm black. You just gotta always work harder than the average bear.'
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