Charlotte Maxeke was a great liberation heroine who fought for human rights in the early 1900s. She left behind a legacy of writings about socials issues, especially of those facing black women. Earning her the title of ‘Mother of Black Freedom in South Africa’. To celebrate her life, we remember some of Charlotte Maxeke’s greatest quotes.
The Mother of Black Freedom in South Africa
Charlotte Maxeke was born in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape on the 7th of April, 1871. Although the exact year of her birth is not known, it is generally accepted as 1871. In her early life, she moved with her family from Fort Beaufort to Port Elizabeth and then to Kimberly.
Reports state that she excelled at school and especially in music, having had a remarkable singing voice. This is ultimately what opened the doors to Europe for her, having been chosen by a choirmaster in Kimberly to join the African choir to tour Europe. After great success in Europe, the choir continued on to North America, where Maxeke ended up receiving a church scholarship to Wilberforce University. She accepted the offer and went on to earn her B.sc degree. Becoming the first black South African woman to earn a degree.
Following her studies in North America, she return to South Africa and became involved in anti-colonial politics. She ended up founding the Bantu Women’s League (BWL), through which Maxeke fought for women’s rights, while also fighting against the Apartheid System.
She continued to fight for the rights of black women throughout her entire life. Eventually passing away in Johannesburg on the 16th of October 1939.
Quotes by Charlotte Maxeke
To commemorate her life, we look back on some of her best quotes.
“Indeed, on her rests the failure or success of her children when they go out into life. It is therefore essential that the home atmosphere be right, that the mother be the real “queen” of the home, the inspiration of her family, if her children are to go out in the world equipped for the battles of life.”
Address at the Conference of European and Bantu Christian Students Association, 1930.
“Let me say this to you girls: It is the beauty of the heart and good behaviour that will last until you go to the grave.”
The Beauty of the Heart.
“This work is not ourselves. Kill that spirit of ’self’ and do not live above your people. If you can rise, bring some with you.”
The second conference of the National Council of African Women, 1938.
“Do away with fearful jealousy, kill that spirit and love one another as brothers and sisters. Stand by your motto: Do unto others as ye would that they should unto you.”
The second conference of the National Council of African Women, 1938.