Black Quote by Taraji P. Henson
“Katherine Johnson never complained, it just was what it was. She just said, "I just wanted to go to work and do my numbers." And she stopped right there. I think about that as a Black woman in Hollywood when I'm asked about diversity. I hate when people say diversity because the first thing you jump to is Black and white. When you talk about diversity, you're talking about women being hired in front of and behind the camera. You are talking about people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community...so I hate when people think about diversity.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Taraji P. Henson on Diversity, 2022
Katherine Johnson’s focus on work over bias illustrates quiet strength; diversity should be inclusive beyond race, covering gender, ability, and LGBTQ+ identities.
In simple terms: Focus on work, not bias; diversity is broader than race.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for inclusive diversity.
Themes
work ethic
diversity
inclusion
Mood
determined
inspired
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Hollywood casting
- STEM workplaces
- community leadership
- policy making
Key Concepts
social justice
representation
intersectionality
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions make diversity truly inclusive?
- How can you honor quiet strength in others?
A Different Perspective
Diversity discussions can become tokenistic without systemic change.
