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Again Quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Amiri Baraka went to Howard. Lucille Clifton went to Howard. Ossie Davis went to Howard. And I was aware of that when I was there. Charles Drew went to Howard. Thurgood Marshall went to the law school. Being aware of that and having all of that brought to bear, again, it's one of those things that…” quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates
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“Amiri Baraka went to Howard. Lucille Clifton went to Howard. Ossie Davis went to Howard. And I was aware of that when I was there. Charles Drew went to Howard. Thurgood Marshall went to the law school. Being aware of that and having all of that brought to bear, again, it's one of those things that I can't really separate from my career as a writer.”

Ta-Nehisi Coates

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Atlantic, 2015

Seeing many Black alumni from Howard shows how community and legacy shape a writer’s identity.

In simple terms: Howard’s alumni community influences his writing.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the power of community heritage.

Themes

identity legacy community

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

cultural historical

When to use this quote

  • college experience
  • writing career
  • activism
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

cultural influence historical context

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your community shape your work?
  • Can you balance heritage with personal voice?
A Different Perspective

Community can also impose expectations that limit individuality.

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