Black History Month is a time to celebrate, honor, and reflect on the immeasurable contributions of Black people in the U.S. It’s also dedicated to the triumphs and struggles of African Americans in this country. While February is the designated month of observance, acknowledging the experiences and accomplishments of the Black community doesn’t have to end there. Sharing powerful quotes that celebrate Black History throughout the year is a great way to keep conversations going about race, equity, and Black excellence.
While sayings don’t begin to scratch the surface of African Americans’ impact, they do provide profound messages that can influence the masses. For those seeking enlightenment and insights from notable African Americans and those you probably don’t know but should, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled some of the best Black History Month quotes that are sure to educate, motivate, and inspire. From prolific writers to prominent civil rights leaders, this robust round-up includes wise words and pithy sayings that will hopefully make a lasting impression.
Whether you read them for your own knowledge or share them on social media as Instagram captions, these Black History Month quotes will serve as a reminder that Black history is American history. Keep the enlightenment going by checking out these Black history movies, books by Black authors, and facts about Black History Month.
1
Symone D. Sanders, Political Strategist
"I think the political and democratic apparatus has woken up to see the real value of Black women and now they are doing all kinds of things to hold on to it and bring black women into the fold and black women are like, 'We just want you to hire us, give us resources, let us lead, and get out of our way.'"
2
Morgan Freeman
"I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history."
3
Martin Luther King Jr.
"We are not makers of history. We are made by history."
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4
Chadwick Boseman
"In times of crisis the wise build bridges; the foolish build barriers."
5
Tamera Mowry-Housley
"Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth."
6
Oprah Winfrey
"Listen to the rhythm of your own calling and follow that."
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7
Denzel Washington
“I’m very proud to be Black, but Black is not all I am. That’s my cultural historical background, my genetic makeup, but it’s not all of who I am nor is it the basis from which I answer every question.”
8
Claudette Colvin
"I knew then and I know now, when it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it."
9
Zora Neale Hurston
"Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It's beyond me."
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10
Janelle Monáe
"Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn't have to become perfect because I've learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness."
11
Lupita Nyong'o
"I realized that beauty was not a thing that I could acquire or consume, it was something I just had to be."
12
Queen Latifah
"Beauty is not just a white girl. It's so many different flavors and shades."
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13
Michelle Obama
"I am coming down from the mountaintop to tell every young person that is poor and working class, and has been told regardless of the color of your skin that you don't belong, don't listen to them. They don't even know how they got at those seats."
14
Megan Thee Stallion
"I feel like, when people realize that they are the only person they need to impress, everybody’s life will be a lot smoother."
15
Simone Biles
"I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all.”
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16
Tracee Ellis Ross
"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."
17
Priscilla Frederick
"My pain is valid, my perception is valid, and my success is valid. I'm not just another strong Black woman, I'm a powerful voice that won't allow other opinions to weigh her down or belittle herself."
18
Angela Davis
"We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.”
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19
Carol Moseley Braun
“Defining myself, opposed to being defined by others is one of the most difficult challenges I face.”
20
James Leonard Farmer Jr., Civil Rights Activist
"We do what we have to so we can do what we want to."
Terri Huggins Hart
Terri Huggins Hart is an award-winning journalist, lifestyle writer, parenting writer, and race and culture writer who is convinced she's figured out the trick to living life with no regrets: do what you love, give love, lead with love. She's also the writer of an active monthly newsletter sharing tips for motivation and emotional well-being. When not writing, she can be found working out via Zumba or pole dancing, reciting her favorite affirmations and covering her adorable kids in kisses. You can learn more about Terri on her website, TerrificWords.com, or following her on social media @terrificwords.
Karla Pope
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, People, Parade, BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she's not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
