African-feminism-quotes Quote by Malebo Sephodi
““I write for... I wish I could write purely for fun – I wish I could wake up in the morning and write about the bees and the trees and the leaves. But there is a burden that sits on my shoulder and this is why I write. I write for… All the Black women who didn’t make it All the Black women with tapes on their mouths All the Black women whose tongues were cut by violation All the Black women who lost their surnames not by choice I mould my words for… All the Black girls who think the world is innocent All the Black girls who still dream All the Black girls whose eyes are still clear – not tainted by nights of weeping I write for my grandmother I write for my mother I write for me I write for us Sometimes I don’t know why I write But what I know is this I must write””
About This Quote
Source Poem/Spoken Word: Personal narrative on writing motivation
Describes writing as a duty to represent and honor Black women’s experiences, despite personal uncertainty
In simple terms: Writing is a responsibility to give voice to marginalized women
Key Takeaway
Write to honor and empower marginalized voices
Themes
purpose
activism
heritage
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
poetic
activist
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- community storytelling
Key Concepts
social justice
cultural memory
personal catharsis
Questions to Reflect On
- Who do you write for and why?
- How do you balance personal expression with advocacy?
A Different Perspective
May risk burnout or being pigeonholed as a spokesperson
