22 Quotes by Derrick Bell

The challenge throughout has been to tell what I view as the truth about racism without causing disabling despair.

Slavery is, as an example of what white America has done, a constant reminder of what white America might do.

All ethical people strive to choose "right" over "easy" when confronted by situations that force them to choose one or the other.

Education leads to enlightenment. Enlightenment opens the way to empathy. Empathy foreshadows reform.

Self-esteem is like a difficult-to-cultivate flower. It requires frequent nurturing that occurs when you keep your word and follow through on your promises.

Black people are the magical faces at the bottom of society's well. Even the poorest whites, those who must live their lives only a few levels above, gain their self-esteem by gazing down on us. Surely, they must know that their deliverance depends on letting down their ropes. Only by working together is escape possible. Over time, many reach out, but most simply watch, mesmerized into maintaining their unspoken commitment to keeping us where we are, at whatever cost to them or to us (Bell).

I live to harass white folks.

It appears that my worst fears have been realised: we have made progress in everything yet nothing has changed.

I go to readings by fiction writers like Alice Walker, and I'm envious of the level of attention they generate.