Sometimes I sound like gravel, and sometimes I sound like coffee and cream.
Nina SimoneRead
You get racism crossing the street; it's in the very fabric of American society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Racism is deeply ingrained in American culture and everyday life.
Nina Simone highlights the pervasive nature of racism in American society, suggesting that it is so deeply embedded that it is encountered in mundane activities, such as crossing the street. This statement evokes the idea that racism is not just an overt issue but a subtle, systemic problem that affects individuals' lives at every turn, underscoring the need for societal awareness and change.
Themes
RacismSocietyAwarenessChangeCulture
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on social justice, this quote can be used to illustrate the everyday realities of racism.
More from Nina Simone
All quotes βJazz is a white term to define black people. My music is black classical music.
Nina SimoneRead
I only knew classical music, which to me was the only true music. The only way I could survive at the bar was to mix the classical music with popular songs, and that meant I had to sing. What happened was that I discovered I had a voice plus the talent to mix classical music together with more popular songs, which at the time I detested.
Nina SimoneRead
Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.
Nina SimoneRead
I didn't get interested in music. It was a gift from God.
Nina SimoneRead
This may be a dream, but I'll say it anyway: I was supposed to be married last year, and I bought a gown. When I meet Nelson Mandela, I shall put on this gown and have the train of it removed and put aside, and kiss the ground that he walks on and then kiss his feet.
Nina SimoneRead
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