Derrick Bell Quotes

#1. All ethical people strive to choose "right" over "easy" when confronted by situations that force them to choose one or the other.

Derrick Bell

#2. I live to harass white folks.

Derrick Bell

#3. The challenge throughout has been to tell what I view as the truth about racism without causing disabling despair.

Derrick Bell

#4. Slavery is, as an example of what white America has done, a constant reminder of what white America might do.

Derrick Bell

#5. Few whites are ready to actively promote civil rights for blacks.

Derrick Bell

#6. Self-esteem is like a difficult-to-cultivate flower. It requires frequent nurturing that occurs when you keep your word and follow through on your promises.

Derrick Bell

#7. It appears that my worst fears have been realised: we have made progress in everything yet nothing has changed.

Derrick Bell

#8. I go to readings by fiction writers like Alice Walker, and I'm envious of the level of attention they generate.

Derrick Bell

#9. My wife says I spend my life trying to teach white folks. I'm not so sure I'm proud of it, but she's right.

Derrick Bell