Black community Quote by Bethanee Epifani J. Bryant
““I am a Black woman, therefore, I am destined to protect myself. Our men have wandered too far to beckon. They are lost guardians. Thus, you learn early on how to wield your sword & hoist your shield -- how to stand shoulder to shoulder with your sister in battle and wail a cry that never seems to be loud enough. And I am tired. If only I could rest. To be a Queen with no infantry is a painful sight indeed. They do not yield to my crown. How useless is my throne, if I am to continue to fight alone?””
About This Quote
Source Poem (original), personal essay
The speaker expresses the burden of self‑protection as a Black woman, feeling isolated in a fight without support, yearning for rest and partnership
In simple terms: Feeling alone in struggle, yearning for solidarity and relief
Key Takeaway
Seek community and shared strength
Themes
identity
resilience
solitude
Mood
determined
exhausted
hopeful
Type
poetic
motivational
social commentary
When to use this quote
- activism
- mental health
- support groups
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Intersectionality
self‑defense
empowerment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can allies better support solitary fighters?
- What structures can alleviate the lone‑warrior burden?
A Different Perspective
The focus on individual endurance may ignore systemic change needed for collective relief
![“Since 1865, when the [Thirteenth] Amendment was passed, Black men were getting charged, set up, arrested, and convicted for the pettiest of offenses--like child support. They were getting harsher punishments and longer sentences than their white counterparts. That way, the cotton could still get…” quote by Amy Watkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a4/amy-watkins-140356_black-men_since-1865-when-the-thirteenth-amendment_484167.jpg)
