Alexandria, the host, is a lover of words–quotes seem to captivate her! From time to time guests are asked to share some of the quotes they hold close to their hearts. Sometimes, great quotes are created during conversation. Below are a few of the quotes that came up during Interrupting Racism episodes, and some she simply enjoys.
“Radical simply means ‘grasping things at the root’.”
-Angela Y. Davis
In S1E2: Black Girl Magic (Part B), Taylor mentioned this quote from Angela Davis when she was asked the question, “What does Interrupting Racism mean to you?
“Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly. Whether its something that I have trained for…it’s something I don’t have the first inkling about how to actually do, it doesn’t really matter…It’s just, do I want to do it? Okay, let’s do it.”
-Ellie
This quote came from Ellie while chatting in S1E2: Black Girl Magic (Part B). She was talking about how as Black women, there is so much pressure on us to produce and to a higher standard than others that she sometimes feels afraid to try. But she now knows she needs to do what she wants!
“You think I’m not a goddess, try me.”
-Margaret Atwood
This quote was brought to us by Bernetta in S1E3: On Being A Black PhD Student. Bernetta says she would keep a copy of this quote where she could see it while at work to remind herself of all that she is capable of and already doing.
“Just because you don’t have access to [the various parts of my identity] doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”
-Lorice
This quote was pulled from Lorice ‘s commentary in S1E2: Black Girl Magic (Part B). Lorice was talking about the fact that Black people aren’t a monolith and the fact that people try to put you in a box based on the version of you that they are aware of, failing to understand that there are many versions of a person.
“Through you, I network too.“
-Alexandria Joesica Smalls
Fun fact: this quote is one Alexandria came up with during her time in college. It became a positive mantra in all kinds of situations. Like when her friends had meetings or events to attend and didn’t feel like going. She would remind them that we are in this together and “through you, I network too” so you gotta go out there and do this for all of us!
“Now, everything I do, I do because I want to. And I believe the best is yet to come.”
– Nikki Giovanni
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
– Audre Lorde
“You don’t want to leave here feeling like you didn’t do everything you could do. Give it your best, regardless of the outcome, so you can leave feeling fulfilled.”
-Former Exploring Transfer Counselor (name unknown)
In episode S1E3: On Being A Black PhD student, Kat said that this “Quote To Live By” came from a former counselor of hers while she was a student in the Exploring Transfer program. This quote sticks with her throughout her journey. It is a quote we believe can be applied to any aspect of your life.
“If you believe it you can achieve it!”
-Unknown
You have probably heard this saying many times in many different ways. In episode S1E3: On Being A Black PhD student, Alexandria gives this quote noting it as a cliché saying that is very powerful in her life. She connects it back to the way children dream before they are tainted by the world’s skepticism, believing that anything is possible.
“It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.”
-Angela Y. Davis
Eghosa gave this “Quote To Live By” in S1E5: Making Us Matter. She has been inspired by Angela Davis as of recent and this quote stuck out to her.
“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.”
-Zora Neale Hurston
Gertrude provided us with this Zora Neale Hurston “Quote To Live By” in S1E5: Making Us Matter. She noted that she aims to live her life with this in mind, letting people know when they have wronged her and no longer being silent about it.
“Our crown has already been bought and paid for, all we have to do is wear it”
-James Baldwin
Alexandria said that this “Quote To Live By” reminds her of everything that our ancestors have endured, the sacrifices they made and the paths they paved for those of us who follow behind them. In S1E5: Making Us Matter she says this quote reminds her to not take these sacrifices in vain.
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
– Angela Y. Davis
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
– Rosa Parks
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