Self-reliance is an understanding of one’s ability to define and determine the self. That understanding is a difficult one to reach as a black woman, but for these 13 women they not only reached it but articulated it so well. Often times our paths are obstructed by the looming presence of a society whose existence seems rooted in keeping us down. But, as Maya Angelou reminded us, we still shall rise. See what these 13 writers have to say about the matter of self-love and self-reliance.

Toni Morrison

Photo: SNAP/REX
Photo: SNAP/REX

I want to feel what I feel. What’s mine. Even if it’s not happiness, whatever that means. Because you’re all you’ve got.”

Zora Neale Hurston

Photo: biography
Photo: biography

“I love myself when I am laughing. . . and then again when I am looking mean and impressive.”

Maya Angelou 

Photo: Michael Ochs
Photo: Michael Ochs

“We have to confront ourselves. Do we like what we see in the mirror? And, according to our light, according to our understanding, according to our courage, we will have to say yea or nay — and rise!”

Audre Lorde

Photo: Dagmar Schultz
Photo: Dagmar Schultz

Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

bell hooks

Photo: bell hooks
Photo: bell hooks

One of the best guides to how to be self-loving is to give ourselves the love we are often dreaming about receiving from others.”

June Jordan

Photo: Lynda Koolish
Photo: Lynda Koolish

I must undertake to love myself and to respect myself as though my very life depends upon self-love and self-respect.”

Alice Walker

alice walker
Eamonn Mccabe

HELPED are those who are content to be themselves; they will never lack mystery in their lives and the joys of self-discovery will be constant.”

Nikki Giovanni

NikkiG+Penn

I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal I cannot be comprehended except by my permission

Toni Cade Bambara

Photo: Carlton Jones Scribe Video Center
Photo: Carlton Jones Scribe Video Center

Revolution begins with the self, in the self.

J. California Cooper

Photo: Ellen Banner
Photo: Ellen Banner

Build you a rainbow. Do it yourself! If you can’t do that, build your mind near one. Learn how to fly. Then … soar a little.”

Gwendolyn Brooks

Photo: Nora Brooks Blakely
Photo: Nora Brooks Blakely

In yourself you stretch, you are well.”

Ntozake Shange

Photo: Marilyn K. Yee/New York Times Co.
Photo: Marilyn K. Yee/New York Times Co.

Through my tears i found god in myself
and i loved her
i loved her fiercely”

Sonia Sanchez

Photo: tumblr
Photo: tumblr

I shall become, I shall become a collector of me. And put meat on my soul.”

Share some of your favorite quotes on self-reliance!


 

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