Meaning: The quote "My mother came here to New York. She and my grandmother were domestics, cooking, cleaning for other people" by David Dinkins, a politician, reflects the experience of many African American women who migrated from the South to the North in search of better opportunities during the early to mid-20th century. This quote captures the narrative of African American women who worked as domestics, often in low-paying and marginalized positions, to support their families and pursue a better life.

During the Great Migration, which began in the early 1900s and continued through the 1970s, millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers in the North, Midwest, and West. They sought to escape the oppressive conditions of the Jim Crow South, including racial segregation, economic hardship, and limited opportunities for advancement. New York City, with its burgeoning industries and promise of a more tolerant environment, was a major destination for many migrants, including Dinkins' mother and grandmother.

The work of domestic labor, including cooking and cleaning for wealthier white families, provided a source of employment for many African American women who migrated to urban centers. However, these jobs often offered low wages, long hours, and little job security. Despite the challenges they faced, many women took on these roles as a means of economic survival and to support their families.

Dinkins' quote sheds light on the often overlooked contributions of African American women in the domestic labor force. Their work was essential to the functioning of many households and allowed middle- and upper-class families to maintain their lifestyles. However, these women were frequently undervalued and faced discrimination in their workplaces.

The experience of Dinkins' mother and grandmother as domestics also speaks to the larger narrative of racial and gender inequality in the United States. African American women, who were already marginalized by virtue of their race, occupied some of the most vulnerable positions in the labor market. They were subjected to exploitation and mistreatment, and their labor was often taken for granted.

Despite the challenges they faced, African American women who worked as domestics demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to providing for their families. Their contributions to the economic and social fabric of their communities were significant, even if they were not always acknowledged or celebrated.

In sharing this personal story, Dinkins highlights the experiences of countless African American women whose labor and sacrifices have been integral to the development of American society. His words serve as a reminder of the strength and perseverance of these women in the face of adversity, and the importance of recognizing their contributions to the broader narrative of American history and social progress.

Dinkins' quote also invites reflection on the ongoing impact of systemic inequality and the need for continued efforts to address the economic and social disparities that persist in the United States. By acknowledging the experiences of his mother and grandmother, Dinkins draws attention to the broader issues of economic justice, racial equality, and the need for greater recognition of the often overlooked contributions of marginalized communities.

In conclusion, David Dinkins' quote about his mother and grandmother working as domestics in New York City provides a window into the experiences of African American women who migrated during the Great Migration and the challenges they faced in pursuing economic stability and opportunity. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of African American women in the face of adversity, and as a call to recognize and honor their contributions to American society.