20 Inspiring Quotes By Black Women

Sometimes you need that extra motivation and inspiration to get your day started on a positive note.  Read on for famous quotes by known female, African American educators, motivators, activists, and dreamers to help you along your daily journey.

“You can write me down in history with hateful, twisted lies, you can tread me in this very dirt, but still, like dust, I’ll rise.” -Maya Angelou

“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

“You don’t become what you want; you become what you believe.” -Oprah Winfrey

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” -Maya Angelou

“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

“Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.” -Susan L. Taylor

“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

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” –Wilma Rudolph

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou

”Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.” – Oprah Winfrey

”In every crisis there is a message. Crises are nature’s way of forcing change — breaking down old structures, shaking loose negative habits so that something new and better can take their place.” — Susan L. Taylor

“No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow. ” – Alice Walker

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lena Horne

“Self-esteem means knowing you are the dream.” – Oprah Winfrey

“There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don’t expect you to save the world I do think it’s not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect.” – Nikki Giovanni

“Whatever you fear most has no power – it is your fear that has the power. The thing itself cannot touch you. But if you allow your fear to seep into your mind and overtake your thoughts, it will rob you of your life.” – Oprah Winfrey

“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

“You are the designer of your destiny; you are the author of your story.” — Lisa Nichols

“Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” – Maya Angelou

“It’s time for you to move, realizing that the thing you are seeking is also seeking you.” – Iyanla Vanzant