My mom was born in Jamaica and has always been around a community of black people, so she encouraged me to get out and act. My dad, on the other hand, is from suburban Massachusetts, so he had not been around a lot of black people.

In this quote, Marley Dias reflects on her parents' backgrounds and how their different experiences shaped her identity and upbringing. Her mom, who was born in Jamaica, grew up in a community that was predominantly black, and this influenced her encouragement for Dias to get out and act, likely in a way that embraced her cultural heritage and sense of identity. On the other hand, her dad, from suburban Massachusetts, had less exposure to black communities, highlighting the contrast between their perspectives and experiences of race and culture.

Dias’ statement illustrates the impact of cultural upbringing on her personal development. Her mom’s experience in a black community made her more aware of the importance of embracing identity and encouraged Dias to connect with her roots, while her dad’s different upbringing reflected a more isolated perspective on race. This contrast between her parents shows how cultural and environmental factors shape how we view the world and our place within it.

The origin of the quote comes from Marley Dias, a young activist and founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, which advocates for more representation of black girls in literature. Dias' work and advocacy are shaped by her experiences growing up with parents from different cultural backgrounds, allowing her to navigate and understand the complexities of race and identity from multiple perspectives.

Ultimately, this quote highlights the intersection of culture and identity in shaping a person’s worldview. Dias’ reflection on her parents’ backgrounds underscores how exposure to diverse communities, and the differing experiences of race, can influence how we are encouraged to express ourselves and navigate the world.