African Americans have a rich history and background, and we can learn a lot from the examples set by those who came before us. Quotes from African American leaders can help to raise self-awareness and build self-esteem as well as promote the idea that anyone can attain success. We are all about success and I wanted to share a few of my favorites quotes from African American History.
“I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” – Muhammad Ali
“Racism is man’s gravest threat to man – the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel
“Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.” – Coretta Scott King
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass
“Character is power.” – Booker T. Washington
“Freedom is never given; it is won.” – A. Philip Randolph
“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” – George Washington Carver
“No person is your friend who demands your silence or denies your right to grow.” – Alice Walker
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm
“I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger.” – Serena Williams
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Dr. Mae Jemison
“If you can be the best, then why not try to be the best?” – Garrett Morgan
“The soul that is within me no man can degrade.” – Frederick Douglass
“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
“If you have no critics you’ll likely have no success.” – Malcolm X
Have a vision. Be demanding. – Colin Powell
It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it. – Lena Horne
You’re not obligated to win. You’re obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. – Marian Wright Edelman
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” —Dr. Mae Jemison
“Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us. —Susan L. Taylor
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” —Rosa Parks
