QuoteProject
June Jordan, who died of cancer in 2002, was a brilliant, fierce, radical, and frequently furious poet. We were friends for thirty years. Not once in that time did she step back from what was transpiring politically and morally in the world. She spoke up, and led her students, whom she adored, to do the same.
Alice Walker
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the enduring friendship and the powerful influence of June Jordan as a politically engaged poet and mentor.

Alice Walker reflects on her long friendship with June Jordan, emphasizing Jordan's unwavering commitment to social and political issues. Despite facing personal challenges, including illness, Jordan remained vocal and passionate, inspiring her students to engage with the world around them and to speak out against injustice. This tribute illustrates the profound impact that a dedicated mentor can have on both individuals and society at large.

Themes

FriendshipActivismInspirationMentorshipPolitics

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in discussions about the importance of activism in education.

More from Alice Walker

Animals can communicate quite well. And they do. And generally speaking, they are ignored
Alice WalkerRead
On a spiritual level, it's as though with my sighted eye I see what's before me, and with my unsighted eye I see what's hidden. It's illuminated life more than darkened it.
Alice WalkerRead
I think 'The Color Purple' is so bursting with love, the need for connection, the showing of the need for connection around the globe.
Alice WalkerRead
How long will it take the citizens of the United States, one wonders, to recognize that the house their country bombed in Iraq is the same one they were living in until it was foreclosed?
Alice WalkerRead
One white man on the platform in South Carolina asked us where we were going--we had got off the train to get some fresh air and to dust the grit and dust out of our clothes. When we said Africa he looked offended and tickled too. Niggers going to Africa, he said to his wife. Now I have seen everything.
Alice WalkerRead
I think we have to own the fears that we have of each other, and then, in some practical way, some daily way, figure out how to see people differently than the way we were brought up to.
Alice WalkerRead

Similar quotes

God mark thee to His grace! Thou was the prettiest babe that e'er I nursed. And might I live to see thee married once, I have my wish.
William ShakespeareRead
The language of my love does not belong to human language, my human body does not touch the flesh of my love.
Paul EluardRead
They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immoveable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.
Jane AustenRead
Whatever our religion, we know that if we really want to love, we must first learn to forgive before anything else.
Mother TeresaRead
Your love to me was like an unread book.
Countee CullenRead
I'll be happy if running and I can grow old together.
Haruki MurakamiRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.