" The strength of my mother is something I didn’t pay attention to for so long. Here she was, this single mom, who was part of the Great Migration, who was part of a Jim Crow south, who said, ‘I’m getting my kids out of here. I’m creating opportunities for these young people by any means necessary.’ "
- Jacqueline Woodson

In this quote, Jacqueline Woodson reflects on her mother's unwavering strength as a single parent who faced numerous challenges throughout her life. She acknowledges that she often took for granted how resilient and determined her mother was in providing better opportunities for her children.

The deeper meaning of the quote lies in recognizing the profound impact of a parent’s relentless pursuit to improve their child's future, despite daunting obstacles such as racial segregation (Jim Crow era) and socio-economic hardships. Woodson highlights how her mother's determination to escape the limitations of her environment demonstrates a powerful commitment to breaking cycles of disadvantage by any means necessary. This encapsulates not only personal resilience but also a broader social struggle for equality and opportunity.

Jacqueline Woodson is an acclaimed author known for her poignant narratives that explore themes of race, identity, and family in America. Her works often draw from personal experiences and the historical context she grew up in, making this quote particularly meaningful as it reflects both her mother's journey during a significant period in American history and her own development as a writer and storyteller.