When I was a child, we never began a meal without prayer. We thanked God for the food, for each other.

Who are you without your girls? I truly believe that. Who are you without the people who help you make sense of the misogyny, the racism, the economic struggle, all of it? You need those people saying you're a good mom, a great writer. You're a great dresser. You cook well. Whatever the beauty is that you need to hear.

My kids speak of both subtle slights and blatant racism. It's a narrative I never imagined for them.

Jacqueline Woodson Quotes