Who ever walked behind anyone to freedom? If we can't go hand in hand, I don't want to go.

Hazel Scott’s quote, “Who ever walked behind anyone to freedom? If we can't go hand in hand, I don't want to go,” speaks to the idea of equality and mutual respect in the pursuit of freedom. Scott is asserting that true freedom cannot be achieved by following someone else or being subjugated to a hierarchical relationship. Instead, she believes that for freedom to be meaningful, it must be a shared experience where individuals move forward together, in unity and solidarity, rather than one person leading while others remain passive or unequal.

The quote highlights the importance of partnership and collective action in the fight for freedom. Scott emphasizes that she does not want to experience liberation if it means doing so under conditions that are not equal and cooperative. The idea of going hand in hand symbolizes collaboration and mutual support, where freedom is shared by all and no one is left behind or oppressed in the process.

The origin of this quote reflects Scott’s own experiences as a Black woman in the United States during a time of racial inequality and segregation. As a talented pianist and outspoken advocate for civil rights, Scott used her platform to speak out against racial injustice and discrimination. Her words reflect a deep commitment to equality and the belief that freedom is not just about individual rights, but about collective empowerment and shared struggles for justice.

Ultimately, Scott’s words urge us to rethink what freedom means in practice. True freedom is not about one person or group leading while others follow; it is about working together in equality and solidarity. The quote serves as a reminder that freedom is a journey that must be shared by all, not something attained at the expense of others.