12 Amandla Stenberg Quotes About Activism, Gender & Knowing How To Make Your Dreams A Reality
Enjoy this gender fluid beauty in all their glory!
Actress, singer and activist Amandla Stenberg is an inspiration to everyone they encounters. Since their role as Rue in The Hunger Games, they've been a near-household name – and Stenburg only 20 years old!
Their other notable roles include Madeline Whittier in Everything, Everything and Starr Carter in The Hate U Give. Though, Stenburg's first feature film was Colombiana, a French action thriller in which they appeared as a younger version of Zoe Saldana’s character.
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Amandla Stenburg grew up in LA and began their career at the age of four in Disney modeling shoots, and they always radiated the strength and power their South African name means (they were originally named after a Miles Davis album, from the Zulu and Xhosa word for "power.'' According to an article by Voice of America, the name 'Amandla'' "was - and still is - a rallying cry against oppression."
Once Stenburg's acting career took off, they started co-writing some books such as the comic book Niobe: She is Life and its sequel, Niobe: She is Death.
Identifying as an intersectional feminist (i.e., feminism that discusses how social and political discrimination connect with gender), Amandla has spoken out on social media and in interviews about their views. They garnered a rather large following and has encouraged many black women to speak out against injustice as well.
Listening to their words can get you pumped up and give you hope for the future. Here are 12 amazingly insightful Amandla Stenburg quotes to think about:
1. They ask the right questions.
“What would America be like if we loved black people as much as we love black culture?” — Amandla Stenberg
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2. They point out the real problems with the world: Ignorance.
“Discussions are healthy. Ignorance is not.” — Amandla Stenberg
3. Stenburg knows activism is ingrained in them.
“My activism does not need proof to be real. It exists in the work of my bones against weight in the morning.” — Amandla Stenberg
4. Amandla admits we’re all still learning about ourselves.
“Everyone experiences different parts of themselves at different times, these different parts of themselves that come out in different settings.” — Amandla Stenberg
5. They were raised by the best.
“My mother reminds me that if I could manifest such an important role just because I wanted it so much, all of my dreams are possible.” — Amandla Stenberg
6. Stenburg's genuine.
“I'm just someone who cannot fake it. I can only do something with my full heart invested or just not do it at all.” — Amandla Stenberg
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7. They support the LGBTQ community.
“My 's very fluid, and my gender is very fluid.” — Amandla Stenberg
8. They talk politics openly.
“Me talking about political issues on a social platform was kind of an accident. It's something that's a part of my everyday - it's super central to who I am as a person.” — Amandla Stenberg
9. They understand the importance of knowing when to back down.
"I recognize 100 percent that there are spaces that I should not take up and when I do take up a space it’s because I’ve thought really, really critically about it and I’ve consulted people I really trust and it feels right.” — Amandla Stenberg
10. Amandla doesn't identify as a girl.
“I don't think of myself as statically a girl.” — Amandla Stenberg
11. They wait for greatness.
“You don't have to force your career to happen all at once.” — Amandla Stenberg
12. Stenburg is all natural.
“I really love my hair. I really embrace it, and I'm so glad that I made the decision to wear it natural.” — Amandla Stenberg
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If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve got the best quotes to share and savor. For quotes from the most inspiring celebs, activists, and poets, look no further! You might even find the quote that motivates the best parts of your life (and love!) forever.
Meaghan Summers is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture and relationship topics.