Those of us forged in the crucibles of difference know that survival is not an academic skill.

Silence has never brought us anything of worth.

I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We've been taught that silence would save us, but it won't.

If white American feminist theory need not deal with the differences between us, and the resulting difference in our oppressions, then how do you deal with the fact that the women who clean your houses and tend your children while you attend conferences on feminist theory are, for the most part, poor women and women of Color? What is the theory behind racist feminism?

When you reach out and touch other human beings, it doesn't matter whether you call it therapy or teaching or poetry.

To encourage excellence is to go beyond the encouraged mediocrity of our society

I believe one of the hardest things you can do is conquer your fears, but if you have a goal, then it's your job to open up and let it be real no matter how scary it seems.