I am the dream and the hope of the slave

Those who have something to say accept the fact that that's lonely. One already knows that there will be adversaries.

Look for the beauty in things.

I know why the caged bird sings.

If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.

Step off the road. Build yourself a brand new path.

You don't have to tell everything you know, but let what you do say be the truth as you understand it.