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Black Quote by Nayyirah Waheed

“black women breathe flowers, too. just because we are taught to grow them in the lining of our quiet (our grandmothers secret) does nor mean we do not swelter with wild tenderness. we soft swim. we petal. we scent limbs. love. we just have been too long a garden for sharp and deadly teeth. so we…” quote by Nayyirah Waheed
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““black women breathe flowers, too. just because we are taught to grow them in the lining of our quiet (our grandmothers secret) does nor mean we do not swelter with wild tenderness. we soft swim. we petal. we scent limbs. love. we just have been too long a garden for sharp and deadly teeth. so we have grown ourselfves into greenhouses.””

Nayyirah Waheed

About This Quote

Source Poem: “Black Women” collection, 2015

Black women endure both beauty and pain, nurturing themselves despite societal expectations of fragility.

In simple terms: Black women are both delicate and strong.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and honor the complex resilience of black women.

Themes

identity gender race resilience beauty

Mood

empowering poetic

Type

social cultural

When to use this quote

  • mental health support
  • community building
  • artistic expression

Key Concepts

intersectionality self‑care poetry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we support black women beyond poetic admiration?
  • What actions transform appreciation into tangible change?
A Different Perspective

Romanticizing struggle can overlook systemic issues.

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