"As far as I knew white women were never lonely, except in books. White men adored them, Black men desired them and Black women worked for them"

This quote by Maya Angelou speaks with the power characteristics of race and gender in the United States. Angelou is recommending that white ladies are fortunate because they are never ever lonely, as they are constantly desired and loved by white men and served by Black ladies. This quote speaks with the idea of white females as the idealized requirement of charm and femininity, and the idea that Black ladies are often relegated to a position of yoke. It likewise talks to the idea of white ladies as being viewed as more desirable than Black females, and the idea that Black ladies are often neglected and overlooked. Angelou's quote is a powerful tip of the systemic bigotry and sexism that exists in our society, and the requirement to continue to fight for equality and justice.