Going against the Grain: Power of the Black Women

Since the dawn of time, women have always been looked down upon.  During the time of slavery, women were not allowed to do anything or have anything.  African American women had it worse during these times because they were black and women,  a double negative to society.  They were beaten, degraded, and sexually harassed.  Although they went through these struggles, they still made it on top.  In a passage written by Maria W. Stewart in 1831, she suggests that “African American women have understood with great clarity two things: the power of language and learning and the inherent hostility of the context within which people of African decent must live in the United States.”  In simpler terms, she says African American women play major leadership roles no matter how society looks at them.

            In “Going against the Grain” it tells how African American women were mothers, teachers, social activists, storytellers, etc.  They made the culture and kept the African traditions running.  This is inspirational information because it shows how strong African American women are.  We have been through many struggles.  People tried to break and bring us down, but we always manage to overcome them.  As a young black woman, it inspires me to never give up, no matter what the situation is.  If my ancestors made it through the fight, then I can do the same.