"My people couldn't have survived slavery without having hope that it would get better. And there's some songs from the 19th and 18th century that say [sings], "By and by, by and by, I will lay down, this heavy load." And I mean, so many songs that spoke of hope and understand it better by and by. Amazing songs. So that the slaves, just knowing that he, she, did not have the right legally to walk within one inch away from where the slave owner dictated, and yet the same person, wrote and sang with fervor, "If the lord wants somebody, here am I, send me." It's amazing."

3 likes

Source: Source: www.psychologytoday.com

About the author

Maya Angelou

Poet, Memoirist

Maya Angelou was an influential American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist known for her powerful works like 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.'

All quotes by Maya Angelou →

Same author

More quotes by Maya Angelou

See all →
Maya Angelou Poet, Memoirist

"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. People know themselves much better than you do. That's why it's important to stop expecting them to be something other than who they are"

Read quote
Maya Angelou Poet, Memoirist

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. Please remember that your difficulties do not define you. They simply strengthen your ability to overcome."

Read quote