Children Quote by Audre Lorde
“Raising Black children — female and male — in the mouth of a racist, sexist, suicidal dragon is perilous and chancy. If they cannot love and resist at the same time, they will probably not survive. And in order to survive they must let go. This is what mothers teach — love, survival — that is, self-definition and letting go.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Sister Outsider, 1984
Raising Black children amid systemic oppression is dangerous; they must learn love, resistance, and self‑definition, often through letting go.
In simple terms: Black children face hostile environment; need love and resistance.
Teach love and resilience together.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- community support
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities support these families?
- What practices foster healthy self‑definition?
Balancing love and resistance can be emotionally taxing.