Author

My father was so very afraid. I felt it in the sting of his black leather belt, which he applied with more anxiety than anger, my father who beat me as if someone might steal me away, because that was exactly what was happening all around us.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

It's hard for me to view Baltimore outside the context of what Baltimore has always been in my mind: a violent place.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

You can't tolerate anybody attempting to threaten or intimidate your body. You must respond with force.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

When I see the Confederate flag, I see the attempt to raise an empire in slavery. It really, really is that simple. I don't understand how anybody with any sort of education on the Civil War can see anything else.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

African Americans are one of the oldest ethnic groups in this country. We been here since the beginning. Before the beginning.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

I think the body is the ultimate thing. The soul and mind are part of the body. I don't think there is anything outside of that. Your physical self is who you are. Some people feel that that is reductionist, but I don't think it is. It's just true.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

One of the things that's really, really present in 'Between the World and Me' is, I am in some ways outside of the African-American tradition.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

We look at young black kids with a scowl on their face, walking a certain way down the block with their sweatpants dangling, however, with their hoodies on. And folks think that this is a show of power or a show of force. But I know, because I've been among those kids, it ultimately is fear.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

I just think that if one is going to preach nonviolence and one is going to advocate for nonviolence, one's standard should be consistent.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

I think riots happen when communities are under pressure for long periods of time. That's not a mistake.

From Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Notable Quotes

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