Civil rights Quote by Derrick Bell
““I remember it was a quiet, heat-hushed evening. Walking with Mrs. McDonald up a dusty, unpaved road toward her modest home, I asked, "Where do you and the other black families find the courage to continue working for civil rights in the face of so much intimidation? Black folks active in the civil rights movement are losing their jobs, facing all manner of pressure and intimidation, and you told me shots were fired through your windows just last week." Mrs. McDonald looked at me and said slowly and seriously, "I can't speak for everyone, Derrick, but as for me, I am an old woman. I lives to harass white folks.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Oral History with Derrick Bell, 1990s
A black civil‑rights activist explains that personal resilience and a sense of duty drive continued struggle despite severe intimidation.
In simple terms: Courage comes from personal conviction despite threats.
Key Takeaway
Persist regardless of fear.
Themes
courage
resilience
civil rights
intimidation
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
testimonial
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- community organizing
- legal advocacy
- daily life under threat
Key Concepts
social justice
personal agency
community solidarity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do individuals sustain hope under oppression?
- What role does community play in fostering courage?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook systemic barriers that limit individual agency.
![“Harry Belafonte explained: [T]he Second World War happened, and my mother told me that the fight against Hitler was our fight, and I went off, just like that. We were fighting against tyranny, fighting for freedom. But when we-the Black soldiers-came home, we found it was business as usual. There…” quote by Derrick Bell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ed7/derrick-bell-16993_parenting_harry-belafonte-explained-t-he-second-wo_528143.jpg)
