Nothing I accept about myself can be used against me to diminish me.

How a diamond comes into a knot of flame How a sound comes into a word, coloured By who pays what for speaking. Some words are open. Love is a word another kind of open — As a diamond comes into a knot of flame I am black because I come from the earth's inside. Take my word for jewel in your open light.

The love expressed between women is particular and powerful because we have had to love in order to live; love has been our survival.

When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.

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?

If our history has taught us anything, it is that action for change directed against the external conditions of our oppressions is not enough.

Change is the immediate responsibility of each of us, wherever and however we are standing, in whatever arena we choose.