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Writer's pictureFrantzces Lys

40 Quotes From Incredible Black Women That Will Inspire You To Keep Going



Many of us start our businesses out of passion and drive, but somewhere down the line, we get off track, lose our way and forget the very things that got us here. Our passion and drive become replaced with doubt and procrastination. In those moments, what we really need is to remind ourselves why we started. We need all the help we can get to tackle our biggest challenges. Hearing uplifting words helps us to keep going on our path. Here are some quotes about Black women by Black women that will remind you to keep going and that you're not walking alone.

  1. Anytime you get more than a couple of Black women together, you're creating this powerful mechanism for change.—Kimberly Bryant

  2. I didn't learn to be quiet when I had an opinion. The reason they knew who I was is because I told them.—Ursula Burns

  3. The success of every woman should be an inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you're courageous, be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be humble.—Serena Williams

  4. Black women can do anything. We have proven that time and time and time again. –Tarana Burke

  5. When you take care of yourself, you're a better person for others. When you feel good about yourself, you treat others better.—Solange Knowles

  6. Give light and people will find the way.—Ella Baker

  7. Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.—Janelle Monáe

  8. It's not the load that breaks you down; it's the way you carry it.—Lena Horne, Dancer

  9. You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas."—Shirley Chisolm, Politician; First African American woman nominated for President

  10. I have standards I don't plan on lowering for anybody…including myself.—Zendaya

  11. I am a strong woman with or without this other person, with or without this job, and with or without these tight pants.—Queen Latifah

  12. I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be. —Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

  13. Your willingness to look at your darkness is what empowers you to change.—Iyanla Vanzant

  14. No matter where life takes me there will always be someone who's threatened by it.—Franchesca Ramsey

  15. Black women ain't bitter. They are just tired of being expected to settle for less.—Issa Rae

  16. The woman who doesn't require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.—Mohadesa Najumi

  17. Success is, liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.—Maya Angelou

  18. Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.—Madam C.J. Walker, Entrepreneur

  19. The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.—Alice Walker

  20. The way we think of ourselves has everything to do with how the world sees us and how we see ourselves successfully acknowledged by the world.—Arlene Rankin

  21. I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.—Rosa Parks, Civil Rights Activist

  22. A crown, if it hurts us, is not worth wearing.—Pearl Bailey

  23. When I dare to be powerful — to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. —Audre Lorde, Writer, Feminist, Womanist, Librarian, and Civil Rights Activist

  24. You can fall, but you can rise also.—Angelique Kidjo

  25. Don't settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that's in us.—Angela Bassett, Actress

  26. No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.—Lupita Nyong'o

  27. I was once afraid of people saying, "Who does she think she is?" Now, I have the courage to stand and say, "This is who I am."—Oprah Winfrey

  28. You are your best thing.—Toni Morrison

  29. Your voice has great power; don't be afraid to utilize it when needed. You're not an angry black woman; you're a woman who has something important to say. Your voice matters, and so do you.—Stephanie Lahart

  30. If you're always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be. —Maya Angelou

  31. I realized that I don't have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life.—Kerry Washington, Actress, Producer, and Director

  32. Don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal.—Simone Biles, Artistic gymnast

  33. Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.—Oprah Winfrey

  34. I'm convinced that we Black women possess a special indestructible strength that allows us to not only get down, but to get up, to get through, and to get over.—Janet Jackson

  35. Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself. Imitation is suicide.—Marva Collins

  36. I don't have to go around trying to save everybody anymore; that's not my job.—Jada Pinkett Smith

  37. As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you- the first time around.—Oprah Winfrey

  38. I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.—Angela Davis

  39. I did my best, and God did the rest.—Hattie McDaniel

  40. Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.—Dr. Mae Jemison

No matter your goals, you will face many obstacles along the way. The journey to achieving your goals will never be linear. So take it one day at a time. Focus on the things you can do today and enjoy the process, even if you experience setbacks along the way. When you learn to accept and appreciate your current circumstances, it is easier to work towards obtaining what you want in life. Let us know which quotes are your favorite!


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