"Black women as a group have never been fools. We couldn't afford to be"

In this quote, Barbara Smith is highlighting the strength and durability of black women as a collective group. She is acknowledging that throughout history, black women have actually dealt with numerous difficulties and barriers, and therefore, they have needed to be tactical and wise in their actions. The phrase "we couldn't afford to be" suggests that black ladies have constantly needed to be conscious and determined in their choices because the effects of slipping up or being viewed as absurd might have severe repercussions. This quote acts as a suggestion of the intelligence and resourcefulness of black ladies, despite the social barriers and discrimination they have faced.