We must begin to tell black women's stories because, without them, we cannot tell the story of black men, white men, white women, or anyone else in this country. The story of black women is critical because those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it.

In this quote, Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, a renowned scholar and advocate for racial justice and gender equality, emphasizes the importance of telling black women's stories as an integral part of understanding the broader history of race and gender in America. Crenshaw argues that the experiences of black women are often overlooked or marginalized, yet they are central to understanding the full history and ongoing struggles of black men, white men, and white women alike. By excluding black women’s voices, the narrative of race and society remains incomplete.

Crenshaw also stresses the idea that history must be inclusive of black women’s experiences, as their perspectives offer crucial insights into the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. She suggests that without recognizing the unique challenges faced by black women, we fail to grasp the full scope of social inequalities and power dynamics that shape society. The absence of these stories leaves a critical gap in understanding the shared history that affects all communities.

Additionally, Crenshaw emphasizes the importance of historical knowledge to avoid repeating past mistakes. By not acknowledging the struggles and contributions of black women, society risks overlooking lessons from the past that are essential for progress and social justice. Crenshaw’s assertion connects the need for a more inclusive narrative to the broader call for social change and equality in the United States.

The origin of this quote comes from Kimberlé Crenshaw’s work on critical race theory and her pioneering concept of intersectionality, which highlights how overlapping social identities—such as race, gender, and class—impact the experiences of individuals, particularly those who are marginalized. Her activism and scholarship have focused on addressing the ways that black women’s voices have been silenced in both legal and social contexts, making this quote a reflection of her life's work advocating for more inclusive and accurate representations of marginalized groups.