I’m a week late writing for this month. But, my sharing my personal goals while my community, the Black community, is actively fighting for social justice seemed trite.
Today, I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes by Alice Walker. Just in case you’re not familiar with her and her work, Walker is most known for penning “The Color Purple”– a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel which was turned into a movie by the same name. Born Alice Malsenior Walker, the writer grew up in a poor sharecropping family. As a child, Walker was shot in the eye with a BB gun while playing with her brothers. The scar left her self conscious about her appearance, often sending her to enjoy the creative solitude only reading and writing can bring. In spite of it all, Walker is one of the most celebrated poets of our time.
When I think of Walker and other Black women, I’m reminded of the Gazania flower. It is native to South Africa and the bloom is often described as having “brilliant shades” of yellow and orange. It grows where it’s planted, needing little water and cultivation.
Knowing what it is to be Black in America, I’m inspired to grow anyway. That’s rebellion. Not allowing the elements to crush me. I find the strength to bloom, for me so that I can be who I need for all of us.
The Nature of This Flower Is to Bloom
Rebellious. Living.
Against the Elemental Crush.
A Song of Color
Blooming
For Deserving Eyes.
Blooming Gloriously
For its Self.”– by Alice Walker
Walker bloomed where she was planted. She is a flower. So am I. And, so are you. Bloom.
