Black History Quotes: Inspiring Words from Remarkable Figures

As you celebrate Black History Month this February, it’s essential to recognize the power of words spoken by iconic leaders and changemakers throughout American history. These quotes not only reflect the strength and courage of those who have fought against hate and discrimination but also demonstrate the value of diversity, determination, and the uniqueness of each individual’s dreams and aspirations.

These thought-provoking expressions of humanity capture the essence of the African American experience in the United States, emphasizing the importance of education, pride, and presence in shaping the future of our culture and heritage. By immersing yourself in these timeless words, you’ll be inspired by the unwavering perseverance that has contributed to shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society. In doing so, you’ll enrich your understanding of the fundamental elements that unite us all, as we strive for peace, freedom, and a shared vision for the world that embraces our differences.

Quote List 1 – 25

1. “Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama
2. “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
3. “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
4. “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” —Barack Obama
5. “I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all. ” – Zora Neale Hurston

To find your inspiration for Black History Month, read these quotes:

6. “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” – Malcolm X
7. “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” – Booker T. Washington
8. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass
9. “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” – Rosa Parks
10. “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu

These quotes from famous figures will give you hope and encourage you in your journey:

11. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
12. “Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.” – Coretta Scott King
13. “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey
14. “I am not a prize to be won.” – Langston Hughes
15. “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

As you celebrate Black History Month, remember these empowering quotes:

16. “The place in which I’ll fit will not exist until I make it.” – James Baldwin
17. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali
18. “The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.” – W.E.B. Du Bois
19. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
20. “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” – Camus

Finally, let these quotes remind you of the powerful voices in black history:

21. “Your silence will not protect you.” – Audre Lorde
22. “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” — Maya Angelou
23. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass
24. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
25. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou

Quote List 26 – 50

In this section, you’ll find a collection of meaningful and inspirational quotes from remarkable individuals in black history. These quotes touch on various themes such as justice, beauty, success, and the power of a black woman. We’ve compiled a list to share their wisdom and inspire you throughout Black History Month. Remember, all quotes are formatted in italics for easy reading.

1. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou

2. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

3. “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

4. “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis

5. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

6. “Beauty is not just a white girl. It’s so many different flavors and shades.” – Queen Latifah

7. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou

8. “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman.” – Malcolm X

9. “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.” – John Lewis

10. “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” – Shirley Chisholm

11. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

12. “The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.” – W.E.B. Du Bois

13. “Change is a powerful force, yet it comes bearing gifts.” – Nelson Mandela

14. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

15. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

16. “I don’t believe in gradualism, or that you can be assured that.man’s.visions will.be realized by.vague mystical theories about.Serially.changing patterns.” – Angela Davis

17. “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

18. “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.” – James Baldwin

19. “Have a vision. Be demanding.” – Colin Powell

20. “Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it may be a diamond in the rough.” – Mary McLeod Bethune

21. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

22. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” – Maya Angelou

23. “People will.forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

24. “When you know better, you do better.” – Maya Angelou

25. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

This list of 25 quotes is just a small representation of the powerful and transformative messages left behind by these influential figures. Take time to reflect on their wise words and celebrate the legacies, events, and contributions made by your ancestors.

Quote List 51 – 75

Here is a diverse collection of inspiring quotes from some remarkable individuals in Black history. Each quote aims to uplift and motivate you. Feel free to use them for inspiration, reflection, or encouragement in your daily life.

51. “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence.” – Colin Powell
52. “You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people.” – Cornel West
53. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson
54. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker
55. “I knew then and I know now that, when it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it.” – Claudette Colvin
56. “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” – Ida B. Wells
57. “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about what you’ve done with those accomplishments.” – Denzel Washington
58. “If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it.” – Toni Morrison
59. “Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” – Dr. Mae Jemison
60. “I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.” – Serena Williams
61. “Believe in yourself, learn, and never stop wanting to build a better world.” – Mary McLeod Bethune
62. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
63. “Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before.” – Kamala Harris
64. “Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.” – Susan L. Taylor
65. “One chance is all you need.” – Jesse Owens
66. “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.” – Viola Davis

May these words inspire you to embrace your own strength and resilience and to celebrate the achievements of these trailblazers.

Quote List 76 – 100

In this section, you’ll find quotes 76 through 100 from inspiring figures in Black history and culture.

76. “You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” — Shonda Rhimes

77. “Sometimes it’s worse to win a fight than to lose.” — Billie Holiday

78. “The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

79. “Freedom means no fear.” — Nina Simone

80. “Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face.” — Carol Moseley-Braun

81. “Racism is man’s gravest threat to man – the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel

82. “Someone else’s legacy shouldn’t be a job requirement.” — Karyn Parsons

83. “I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.” — Tracee Ellis Ross

84. “We don’t have a national problem-solving agenda; we have a national story-writing agenda.” — Stacey Abrams

85. “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman

Take some time to reflect on these poignant and inspirational quotes, and enjoy exploring the rich legacy of Black history, art, and culture.