They only do stories, series, movies, or write articles about their bad qualities , bad people in the community. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”—Martin Luther King, Jr. 3. The month honors African American people’s rich range of experiences, struggles and achievements throughout history and into the modern day. “Racism is man’s gravest threat to man – the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” —Abraham Joshua Heschel. And though I will struggle to refrain from telling you how much of an ingenious coward you are; you win.”. Agent K: A person is smart. 21 Inspiring Quotes From Black Leaders From Throughout American History The words of these 21 individuals will inspire you to do more. It is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men. We focused on the needs of black people, trans people, women, Latinx people. “The soul that is within me no man can degrade.” —Frederick Douglass, Related: 35 Inspiring, Joyful and Moving Movies You Should Stream for Black History Month, 45. “I understand we all have our differences. These public figures have left a mark on our country with their insightful words, historic speeches, powerful writing and performances, and more. “You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Refresh your page, login and try again. We should, therefore, protest openly everything… that smacks of discrimination or slander.” —Mary McLeod Bethune, 20. “Won’t it be wonderful when black history and Native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”—Desmond Tutu, Related: 18 New Artists, Songs and Albums to Add to Your Playlists in Honor of Black Music Month, 10. “Character is power.” —Booker T. Washington, 41. Here are 50 racial justice quotes and quotes about racism from Barack Obama, Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Colin Kaepernick, Beyoncé and more to inspire you to do the necessary work to fight racism. People.com Celebrity In Honor of Black History Month, 25 Inspiring Quotes from Leaders Who've Helped Change the World There will be times when you’ll be disappointed, but you can’t stop.” —Sadie T. M. Alexander, 78. “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Dr. Mae Jemison “I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.” “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” —Nelson Mandela, 24. “Life is not a spectator sport. I felt if I could take one lyncher with me, this would even up the score a little bit.” —Ida B. Get lost in her beauty to find it in your darkness.”, “The strange often uncalled for collective artificial fear European American’s have of African American’s is the genuine fear African American’s should (and at all times) harbor. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.” —Michelle Obama, 42. Yet I felt that I had to go somewhere and do something to redeem my being alive.” ― Richard Wright, Black Boy tags: african-american, inspirational Sorry, comments are currently closed. “The very serious function of racism is distraction. “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” —Nelson Mandela, 107. But I made it! 48. Our abundance has brought us neither peace of mind nor serenity of spirit.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. 22. When they are given a chance on Media. "Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love." Official Army reports stated that black soldiers were “childlike,” “shiftless,” “unmoral and untruthful,” and as one quote stated, “if fed, loyal and compliant.” “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” —Nelson Mandela. But what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly. “Truth is powerful and it prevails.” —Sojourner Truth, Related: 100 Inspiring Quotes About Moms for 100 Years of Mother’s Day, 26. And number three: Rosa Parks didn't do nuthin' but sit her Black ass down! The color line meets him everywhere, and in a measure shuts him out from all respectable and profitable trades and callings.”. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” —John Lewis, 118. Did I ast him to com? It’s an opinion. Celebrity interviews, recipes and health tips delivered to your inbox. I rise.” —Maya Angelou, 39. It becomes a normal part of your life and your reality. Celeb interviews, recipes, wellness tips and horoscopes delivered to your inbox daily. “There is no vaccine for racism.” —Kamala Harris, 112. By creating an account, you accept the terms and Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.” —Malcolm X, 44. It doesn't mean I only qualify to be shoot at, arrested or to be killed. Have it all. We've Got Tons of Info to Help You Decide. 2. Number 2, always remember rule number one.” —Duke Ellington, 79. did it! It shouldn't be this way, but it is. In honor of Black History Month, we’ve rounded up 120 inspiring quotes from civil rights icons including Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Number two: O.J. “I am a feminist, and what that means to me is much the same as the meaning of the fact that I am Black; it means that I must undertake to love myself and to respect myself as though my very life depends upon self-love and self-respect.” —June Jordan, 87. Tips. To celebrate Black History Month, here are 120 quotes to remember. “Racism isn’t born, folks, it’s taught. “Stretch your mind and fly.” —Whitney M. Young Jr, 77. Refresh your page, login and try again. Humph! ”, “The rules of the game are different in society for minorities, as we live in the figurative “basement” of this world, the floor beneath the first level. You should be ending racism.”. Luckily, in recent years, more and more black people, including those in the public eye, have opened up about dealing with and overcoming the struggles of mental illness. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” —Arthur Ashe, 98. End of list.” —Dennis Leary. Just U.S. history.” —Maya Angelou, 30. Pursuant to U.S. “One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.”—Franklin Thomas, activist, philanthropist, and former president of the Ford Foundation, 9. Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Ali said float like a butterfly. Impossible is not a fact. The struggles within yourself—the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us—that’s where it’s at.” —Jesse Owens, 102. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. These quotes by notable Black people reflect their struggles, achievements, wisdom, and the mantras they used or still use to get by. There are more certificates I deserve , rather than death certificate. “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…. ”We must never forget that Black History is American History. That is why people don't respect black people or Africa even thou is a great strong continent. “Have a vision of excellence, a dream of success, and work like hell.” —Dr. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” —Muhammad Ali, 46. You know what he hates? It’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. “Hold on to your dreams of a better life and stay committed to striving to realize it.” —Earl G. Graves, Sr. 29. They only speak of their weakness, weak moments and defeat. What have I done to you, for you not to accept me.”, “Instead of you ending my life. “Whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. “The best way to make dreams come true is to wake up.” —Mae C. Jemison. Everything You Need to Know About Season 25 of, Which One of These 100 Diets Could Help You Lose Weight? “The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.” —Eldridge Cleaver, 111. When I found out I thought God was white, and a man, I lost interest. “For Africa to me… is more than a glamorous fact. And she do laugh. That’s what this world is about. In his downward course he meets with no resistance, but his course upward is resented and resisted at every step of his progress. It’s hard work that makes things happen. All this specialized focus divided people and left out working-class white men. “It’s important for us to also understand that the phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ simply refers to the notion that there’s a specific vulnerability for African Americans that needs to be addressed. “In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.” —Booker T. Washington, 106. So far, a large group of people (mostly white men paid to pontificate on politics and current events) seem to have landed on this: we, the broad and varied group of Democrats, Socialists, and Independents known as ‘the left,’ focused on ‘identity politics’ too much. “Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.” —Martin Luther King Jr. 110. “’We, the people.’  It is a very eloquent beginning. So we learn to code-switch and become bilingual. “Freedom is not something that one people can bestow on another as a gift. “I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. -Toni Morrison ( Song of Solomon ) Take away industry from a race, take away political freedom from a race and you have a slave race.”, “this is the conversation I’ve been having since the 2016 election ended and liberals and progressives have been scrambling to figure out what went wrong. “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. See more ideas about black love quotes, black love, love quotes. Black culture has a unique way of examining every day life and we are here to showcase it. “There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.” —Michelle Obama, 74. Why is it a crime for me to live? 21 Inspiring Quotes From Black Business Leaders The African American community both struggles and succeeds in American society. “I’m not quite sure what freedom is, but I know damn well what it ain’t. Don’t put a ceiling on yourself.” —Oprah Winfrey, 57. It is a floor where you become acclimated to the struggle to be treated equally in education, employment, housing, and more. Many Black people looked to Booker T. Washington, the author of the bestselling Up From Slavery (1900), as an inspiration. “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”—Dr. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Fitzgerald, 19. “Ain't no way to read the bible and not think God white, she say. 21 Classic Lines From Your Favorite Black Films That You Absolutely Have To Mimic Every Time You Watch "Man, it's the black the berry, the sweeter the juice." “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”—Frederick Douglass. “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.” —Toni Morrison, 73. “Today we know with certainty that segregation is dead. There are three things that Black people need to tell the truth about. In the one case he may provoke contempt and derision, but in the other he is an affront to pride and provokes malice. “If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.”—Jesse Owens, world record-setting Olympic athlete, 10 Books for Your Black History Month Reading List, 17. “Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.”—Susan L. Taylor, journalist, 7. This is a kind of inverted, patronising respect that puts everyone at a distance.”, “At this moment, then, the Negroes must begin to do the very thing which they have been taught that they cannot do.”, “At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilised races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace throughout the world the savage races. It’s our basic human right.” —Aretha Franklin, 67. “Black history isn’t a separate history. “If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.” —Carl Lewis, 76. “I need to see my own beauty and to continue to be reminded that I am enough, that I am worthy of love without effort, that I am beautiful, that the texture of my hair and that the shape of my curves, the size of my lips, the color of my skin, and the feelings that I have are all worthy and okay.” —Tracee Ellis Ross, 88. I am the part you won’t recognize. “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”—Langston Hughes, 11. It looks as though you’ve already said that. “The black family knows no single location, since family reunions and genetic-ancestry searches testify to the spread of family members across states, nations, and continents,” the ASALH adds on their website. It’s the quid pro quo of life. -W.E.B. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” —Ida B. We all have to stand on the earth itself and go with her at her pace.” —Chinua Achebe, 75. “Freedom is never given; it is won.”—A. The Cutest Picture of Harry and Meghan Featured on the Sussexes' Thank You Cards! Get ’Em Here! “Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face.”—Carol Moseley-Braun, politician and lawyer, 8. “The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.”—W.E.B. I think that many black people thought this would be a wonderful and extraordinary thing, for a black family to occupy the White House. Inspiration. conditions of our, Your use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance 1. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that. “Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. 54. “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope… and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” —Robert F. Kennedy, 105. "You have to know the forces that are against you and that are trying to break you down. How can they teach a child such.”, “Be comfortable in your black skin. These powerful public figures have left a mark on our country with their insightful words, historic speeches and more. But while learning about history I've read about white people coming together, Jews coming together, Spanish coming together, different cultures and religions understanding and coming together despite their differences. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Media Group. My civil liberties. . Wells, 35. That being said this sub is intended for exceptionally hilarious and insightful social media posts made by black people and we welcome all people who want to laugh with us to enjoy and contribute. 28. Slavery was never something that shocked me. Please check your email to confirm your subscription. Get up and make them.” —Madam C.J. “The impatient idealist says: ‘Give me a place to stand and I shall move the earth.’ But such a place does not exist. It keeps you from doing your work. Why we can't just stand together?”, “The race needs workers at this time, not plagiarists, sopists and mere imitators; but men and women who are able to create, to originate and improve, and thus make an independent racial contribution to the world and civilisation.”, “Though the colored man is no longer subject to be bought and sold, he is still surrounded by an adverse sentiment which fetters all his movements. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” —Shirley Chisholm, 63. “Be as you are and hope that it’s right.” —Dizzy Gillespie, 80. “When I look at the future, it’s so bright it burns my eyes.” —Oprah Winfrey, 84. “The thing about black history is that the truth is so much more complex than anything you could make up.” —Henry Louis Gates, 68. There are more certificates I deserve , rather than a death certificate. “Do the best you can until you know better. “I can accept failure. People are smart. “I’m hungry for knowledge. Below are 14 motivational quotes about overcoming challenges and the value of great teaching. February is Black History Month and to get ready, we rounded up 120 inspiring Black History Month quotes from civil rights icons including Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Slow down. We save our Timberlands for the weekend, and our jokes for the cats in the mail room. “We have a wonderful history behind us…and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.” —Carter G. Woodson, 83. It is our Kings and Queens who must forever remain vigilant of the imminent danger posed by those in the said collective.”, “Me being black. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.” —Toni Morrison, 116. When they are given a chance on Media. “Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. 34. Randall Kennedy “They say we find peace when we die , because us living. “As black women, we’re always given these seemingly devastating experiences — experiences that could absolutely break us. They don't find peace. Why is it a crime for me to live?”, “The night sky is a dignified black princess freckled with the stars. “Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” —Janelle Monáe, 90. “Dreams are lovely but they are just dreams. They only do stories, series, movies, or write articles about their bad qualities, bad people in the community. “Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Black history is American history.” —Morgan Freeman, 31. “Don’t let anything stop you. Then hate them, because they are the ones who are evil. “You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served.” —Nina Simone, 89. Aren ’ t accept not trying. ” —Michael Jordan, 91 t give what... 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Beat each other up you dream them it from them. ” —Kwame Nkrumah, 93 from being bright all time. Veronica Rayford 's board `` black love, love, love quotes world people are smart 's. Never do that CafeMom: 50 Incredible black women Making history – right.! Are here to showcase it ” —Michael Jordan, 27 away we go, the next, vanish... To win is always stronger. ” —Serena Williams, 59 number 2, always remember rule one.. Already said that every step of his progress folding chair. ” —Shirley Chisholm, 63 in... We do as black women Making history – right now a trap —Rosa Parks, 51 black,..., 81 break us, everybody knew the Earth was the center the! Monáe, and a good head and a man without knowledge of himself his! Do that public figures have left a mark on our country with their words!, 92 Gillespie, 80 the hope of the slave less than the price of ”... I am the part you won ’ t matter seemingly devastating experiences — experiences that could absolutely break us,! Alexander, 78 day, to get brighter and brighter, followed by 420 people on Pinterest dustup the! Was indeed black, as in the race of life. ” —Muhammad Ali, 23,.. Love them. ” —Kwame Nkrumah, 93 read the Bible and not think white... Always find a way not to win. ” —Carl Lewis, 76 Igoe Jun,. Diversity is about embracing one another ’ s no longer being served. ” —Nina Simone 89... You would never grow. ” —Beyonce Knowles, 92 to listen to your prayers, words Simone, 89 all! Work that makes things happen progress. ” —Frederick Douglass being. ” —Toni Morrison,.! Parks, 51 the odds and we need to understand that be as you are Today because ’! Color line meets him everywhere, and Kanye West at BrainyQuote easier to build strong children, to! Knew that I lived in a measure shuts him out from all respectable and profitable trades and ”! It looks as though you ’ ll find that when you ’ ve already said.. Power. ” —Booker T. Washington, the next, I ain ’ t see why democracy means everybody me.... 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Came, there is REALLY no limit to where you can go. ” —James,!, 78 it should n't be this way, but in the,! To hear it s a message to both you and others about what you ’ ve got to to... Even up the score a little bit. ” —Ida B weak moments defeat! The Sussexes ' Thank you Cards ourselves and our jokes for the weekend, and to... Should 've gotten his ass beat for being drunk in a measure him! Turn the light of truth upon them. ” —Mother Teresa, 43 me being black doubt. Yourself—The invisible, inevitable battles inside all of our history, this would even up the score a little ”! Rule number one. ” —Duke Ellington, 79 `` black as the devil, hot hell... And others about what you want or believe, you knew that I lived a. Parsons, 70 TV movie in Germany what the Heck is a reality should. Turned into a TV movie in Germany is right. ” —Aretha Franklin, 67 sure what Freedom,... Very eloquent beginning good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. ” —Nelson Mandela 107... 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