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

“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

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

Maya Angelou

“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

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

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

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

Alice Walker

“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

“Revolution begins with the self, in the self.

J. California Cooper

“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

“In yourself you stretch, you are well.”

Ntozake Shange

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

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

j. california cooper

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week