Art Quote by Donald Byrd
“It's an incredible dilemma to be an artist of color and to always be in denial about that, saying, 'I'm a choreographer first and then I'm black,' when in fact, that's not the case. I'm black first and then I'm also a choreographer.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Conversation on race and identity in performing arts, 2018
Artists of color must acknowledge their racial identity first, as it shapes their perspective and work.
In simple terms: Identity precedes profession for artists of color.
Key Takeaway
Embrace your full identity in creative work.
Themes
identity
race
artistic integrity
Mood
thoughtful
empowering
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- casting decisions
- artistic collaborations
- educational curricula
- media representation
Key Concepts
intersectionality
representation
self‑recognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your heritage inform your art?
- Can you separate identity from creative expression?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on profession can erase cultural influence.
![“This is our problem, our dilemma, yes? We cannot celebrate and declare ourselves to belong to the victorious nations because our brothers and our fathers and grandfathers died in this battle [in Normandy], yes. I understand that the Americans and the British and French celebrate one of the…” quote by Manfred Rommel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2fe/manfred-rommel-39046_battle_this-is-our-problem-our-dilemma-yes-we-c_97284.jpg)
