I can't explain exactly why it lives within me for so long and passionately. But race matters to me; racial equality matters to me, as does gender. There is something about these kinds of social injustices that go to the deep of me.

In this quote, Sue Monk Kidd explains her deeply personal connection to issues of race, racial equality, and gender. She acknowledges that the passion she feels for these social injustices is hard to fully articulate, but emphasizes how deeply these issues resonate within her. By highlighting racial equality and gender as matters close to her heart, Kidd speaks to the moral urgency she feels when it comes to addressing these long-standing societal inequities. The injustices tied to race and gender are not just abstract ideas for Kidd—they are deeply ingrained in her consciousness, calling her to action.

Kidd’s words point to the emotional and moral weight of social injustices like racism and gender inequality, which have persisted across cultures and history. These issues are not just intellectual concerns for her but are issues that stir her emotions, as she feels they "go to the deep of me." The intensity of her feelings suggests that these topics are inextricably linked to her identity and worldview, compelling her to address them in both her personal life and through her work.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Sue Monk Kidd’s broader career as a writer and advocate for social change. Best known for her novel The Secret Life of Bees, Kidd often explores themes of racism, gender, and social justice in her writing. Her own experiences as a white woman in the American South shaped her commitment to understanding and confronting racial injustice. Kidd’s passion for these issues is reflected in her work, where she regularly addresses the intersection of race and gender, particularly in the context of historical and personal struggles.

Ultimately, Kidd’s quote underscores the importance of addressing social injustices on both a personal and societal level. She reflects on how these issues are not just intellectual debates but matters that touch the core of human dignity and equality. Her words invite others to recognize how deeply these issues can affect us, urging a collective effort to combat racial inequality and gender discrimination for a more just and compassionate society.