A Black Women's History of the United States Quotes

“Flo, a Columbia Law School graduate and known for being foul-mouthed and unorthodox, expressed herself with no filter, writing, “I think we should all be kicking ass fairly regularly, and one of my favorite targets is the media.”
― Daina Ramey Berry, A Black Women's History of the United States

“Cabin in the Sky, in 1943. Based on the story of a drunken gambler given a second chance to redeem himself or face the fiery pits, the movie featured a bevy of Black actors with breathtaking vocals, vivacious dancing co-choreographed by the legendary Katherine Dunham, and the pulsating music of jazz great Duke Ellington and his band.”
― Daina Ramey Berry, A Black Women's History of the United States

“allowed Edmonia to maintain intimate relationships with European women. Known for sporting “her own androgynous dress,” Edmonia was part of a lesbian artists collective in Rome. She breached racial and sexual boundaries in her life and art, and was renowned for her provocative marble statues. Edmonia Lewis would become the first Black woman to receive widespread, international acclaim in the fine arts.”
― Daina Ramey Berry, A Black Women's History of the United States

“Tubman and her crew successfully loaded everyone on the ships and went upstream to raid the homes of some of the most prestigious plantation families in the state. They stole goods from the mansions and set fire to approximately thirty-four properties. Although historians disagree on the number of people Tubman led to freedom in this summer raid, scholars confirm that at least 750 made it to freedom. Official Confederate reports noted that whoever led this “well guided attack” was “thoroughly acquainted with the river and county.”20 Once again, Tubman showed that she was the Moses of her people, shepherding them out of slavery, even during the Civil War.”
― Daina Ramey Berry, A Black Women's History of the United States