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
My life wasn't beautiful and creative before I became politically active. My life was totally changed when I began to struggle.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the transformative power of political activism and struggle in shaping a meaningful life.
Assata Shakur reflects on her life prior to becoming politically active, stating that it was neither beautiful nor creative. Her engagement in struggle and activism led her to find purpose and change, suggesting that confronting challenges can lead to personal transformation and fulfillment.
In practice
In a speech about social justice, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of activism in creating meaningful change.
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
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.
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
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.
Peace is a rare gift. Peace of mind, peaceful sleeps, and peaceful spirits are all luxuries that few rebels can ever afford.
And if I know anything at all, it's that a wall is just a wall and nothing more at all. It can be broken down.
I am not the least afraid to die
If someone tried to deprive you of your rights, you've got to resist it. You've got to resent it. You've got to fight against it.
I was in my thirteenth year when I heard a voice from God to help me govern my conduct. And the first time I was very much afraid.
Keep fighting for freedom and justice, beloveds, but don't forget to have fun doin' it. Lord, let your laughter ring forth. Be outrageous, ridicule the fraidy-cats, rejoice in all the oddities that freedom can produce.
I used to be told if I talked about my sexuality in any way that we wouldn't have a tennis tour.
Fighter pilots have ice in their veins. They don't have emotions. They think, anticipate. They know that fear and other concerns cloud your mind from what's going on and what you should be involved in.
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