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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…” quote by Audre Lorde
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“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.”

Audre Lorde

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.

Key Takeaway

Teach love and resilience together.

Themes

racism identity survival motherhood

Mood

hopeful serious

Type

social educational

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • community support

Key Concepts

intersectionality self‑definition resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can communities support these families?
  • What practices foster healthy self‑definition?
A Different Perspective

Balancing love and resistance can be emotionally taxing.

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