People get used to anything. The less you think about your oppression, the more your tolerance for it grows. After a while, people just think oppression is the normal state of things. But to become free, you have to be acutely aware of being a slave.
Assata ShakurI couldn't see how we could seriously struggle without having a strong sense of collectivity, without being responsible FOR each other and TO each other.
Assata ShakurIf you're deaf, dumb, and blind to what's happening in the world, you're under no obligation to do anything. But if you know what's happening and you don't do anything but sit on your ass, then you're nothing but a punk
Assata ShakurEvery person that steps up and commits to social change helps solidify the black movement cause. It is not easy for those who fill in the leader role.
Assata ShakurI hate war, and I hate having to struggle. I honestly do because I wish I had been born into a world where it was unnecessary. This context of struggle and being a warrior and being a struggler has been forced on me by oppression. Otherwise I would be a sculptor, or a gardener, carpenter - You know, I would be free to be so much moreโฆ I guess part of me or a part of who I am, a part of what I do is being a warrior - a reluctant warrior, a reluctant struggler. But I do it, because Iโm committed to life.
Assata Shakur