Skip to content

Black Quote by Audre Lorde

“Whenever a conscious Black woman raises her voice on issues central to her existence, somebody is going to call her strident, because they don't want to hear about it, nor us. I refuse to be silenced and I refuse to be trivialized, even if I do not say what I have to say perfectly.” quote by Audre Lorde
Download Open image
“Whenever a conscious Black woman raises her voice on issues central to her existence, somebody is going to call her strident, because they don't want to hear about it, nor us. I refuse to be silenced and I refuse to be trivialized, even if I do not say what I have to say perfectly.”

Audre Lorde

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Black Woman’s Voice”, 1984

Black women’s outspoken truths are often silenced; refusing silence asserts power.

In simple terms: Silencing is a tool of oppression.

Key Takeaway

Speak boldly despite backlash.

Themes

silence race gender

Mood

defiant inspired

Type

activist personal

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • social media activism
  • community meetings

Key Concepts

intersectionality activism empowerment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fuels your resolve?
  • How can allies support your voice?
A Different Perspective

Opposition may intensify.

3.1 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Audre Lorde

Explore all 377 Audre Lorde quotes

More Black quotes

Browse all 11,655 Black quotes