I am not ashamed of where I came from; the hood taught me that feminism isn't just academic theory. It isn't a matter of saying the right words at the right time. Feminism is the work that you do, and the people you do it for who matter more than anything else.
-- Mikki Kendall (Introduction)

Importance: This quote distinguishes Mikki's conception of feminism as particularly active. It also establishes the difference between active and passive feminism, suggesting that readers reevaluate their own conceptions of the movement. By contrasting active feminism, which involves work, with theoretical feminism or empty words without action behind them, Mikki also implicitly asks readers to reflect on how their personal feminism has been manifested in their own lives. This quote takes the concept of feminism out of the ivory tower of theoretical gender studies and into the grassroots as a social justice movement that is both contemporary and historical.

We...
-- Mikki Kendall (Introduction)