Audre Lorde quote of the day: Why courage begins when you dare to be powerful

Key Takeaways

• Audre Lorde, born in New York City in 1934 to West Indian immigrant parents, became one of the most influential poets, essayists and feminist thinkers of the 20th century.
• She described herself as a “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet” and used her writing to confront racism, sexism, classism and homophobia.
• Her major works include The First Cities, Coal, The Cancer Journals, Zami: A New Spelling of My Name, Sister Outsider and A Burst of Light.
• Poetry Foundation notes that Lorde dedicated both her life and creative talent to confronting injustice.
• “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” Audre Lorde This quote is widely associated with Lorde’s reflections on fear, illness, voice and power.