Famous black women have made important contributions to society and culture for centuries. Their words of wisdom and empowerment can inspire all women to live their best lives. In this article, we will share 12 inspirational and insightful famous Black women quotes that you can live by.
There’s something special about the words that come from our lips.
Not sure if it’s the lived experiences Black Women have had collectively that make our words robust. It’s almost as if hearing the quotable that can come out of our mouths is a treasure trove of wisdom and goodness that said in the right way and at the right time can be life-altering.
Now, that alone is quotable. A quick translation…our words carry power, impact and flow through the air with experience.
There are famous Black women we’ve seen on the screen or with permanent marks in history that have lived experiences that can be insightful empowering and downright motivating in our life.
What these famous Black women quotes mean to our life?
Their words elevate the voices of black women and provide the motivation to overcome obstacles and injustice, as discussed in inspirational books like bell hooks’ Feminism is for Everybody and Michelle Obama’s Becoming.
If you haven’t checked out either of those books, use the links to take a closer look on Amazon, and add some of those words to your collection. Just a quick note, if you decide to grab any of the items at the links above or that could be found throughout this article, we receive a small commission at no cost to you. That’s what allows us to keep bringing you the content to be your greatest self sis.
Now, back to the quotes…
Many of these quotes touch on themes of confidence, resilience, justice, wisdom, and integrity. Keep reading for 12 empowering famous black women quotes and who said them originally.
Quote Theme 1: Don’t Let Anyone Ever Dull Your Sparkle
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
The late poet Maya Angelou embodied grace, wisdom, and strength. She inspired generations of women with her poetry, essays, and autobiographical works. This quote is a beautiful reminder to embrace life fully and stay true to yourself. Your sparkle comes from within.
Famous Black Women Quotes Theme 2: There is No Limit to What We Can Accomplish
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
As the first African-American First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama exemplified class, intelligence, and fortitude. Throughout her life and career, she’s empowered women and girls to dream big and work hard. Believe in your talents and skills, and don’t let anyone restrict your potential.
Quote Theme 3: Let Your Voice Be Heard
“I speak as one who ought to know.” – Sojourner Truth
Born into slavery before escaping to freedom, Sojourner Truth advocated for the rights of African Americans and women. She delivered her iconic “Ain’t I A Woman?” speech at a women’s convention in 1851. Don’t let anyone silence or overlook you. Make your voice heard.
Quote Theme 4: Stay Humble
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” – Beverly Johnson
In 1974, model Beverly Johnson made history as the first black woman to grace the cover of American Vogue. Despite her fame, she remains humble and kind. Behave with grace, and treat everyone with respect.
Quote Theme 5: Invest in Yourself
“Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it may be a diamond in the rough.” – Mary McLeod Bethune
A pioneering educator, Mary McLeod Bethune founded a college which became Bethune-Cookman University. She advocated for the importance of education. Learning and cultivating your talents helps you shine. Don’t underestimate your potential.
Famous Black Women Quotes Theme 6: Stay Strong in Hard Times
“Be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what you deserve.” – Beverley Johnson
Supermodel Beverley Johnson made history in the 1970s as the first black model to appear on a major fashion magazine cover. She encountered racism and obstacles in her groundbreaking career. Her quote reminds us to have faith in better times during difficulties.
Quote Theme 7: Embrace the Journey
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations…If you adopt their attitudes, then the possibility won’t exist because you’ll have already shut it out … You can hear other people’s wisdom, but you’ve got to re-evaluate the world for yourself.” – Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison broke barriers in science and space travel as the first black woman to travel to space. She urges us to think big and not let other’s limited perspectives limit what’s possible. Follow your own vision.
Famous Black Women Quotes Theme 8: Lift Each Other Up
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou
In addition to being a legendary poet, Maya Angelou was also a civil rights activist. She knew that when one woman succeeds, it clears the way for others. Support your fellow women. There’s room for all of us to rise.
Quote Theme 9: Let Your Light Shine
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Maya Angelou
This inspiring quote from Maya Angelou encourages you to let your inner radiance shine through. Don’t let external factors dampen your inner light. Stay confident and true to yourself.
Quote Theme 10: Seize Each Day
“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” – Harriet Tubman
A courageous leader in the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman guided slaves to freedom at great personal risk. She persevered in the face of adversity. During tough times, remember to hang on. Brighter days lie ahead.
Famous Black Women Quotes Theme 11: Stay True to Yourself
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” – Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou shows us again to maintain your integrity and personal power, regardless of what hardships life sends your way. You have the inner strength to rise above.
Quote Theme 12: Let Passion Drive You
“Without passion, you don’t have energy. Without energy, you have nothing.” – Oprah Winfrey
A global media leader and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey believes in the power of passion as a motivator. When you feel inspired about your work or life’s purpose, you have energy in boundless supply. Do what sets your soul on fire.
More Inspiring Famous Black Women Quotes
Even though we promised you 12 famous Black women quotes, we’re feeling generous today and packed in some bonus words of wisdom. The wisdom from these groundbreaking women leaders covers many facets of life. Their empowering words inspire confidence, resilience, justice, and wisdom. Take a look…
Harriet Tubman showed remarkable courage and conviction on the road to freedom, saying “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
Rosa Parks sparked a civil rights movement with her quiet grace and dignity, reminding us “Knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Color Purple gave voice to black women’s experiences, with her quote “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
Wilma Rudolph overcame childhood illness to become the first black woman to win Olympic gold, voicing, “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.”
Dr. Maya Angelou empowered many with her words “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Which of these powerful famous black women’s quotes resonates most deeply with you? Let their wisdom inspire your days.
Conclusion
Famous black women throughout history have uplifted and empowered generations with their words of wisdom. Their quotes remind us to dream boldly, embrace our unique voices, exude grace under fire, and shine our inner light.
Which quote was your favorite or most inspiring?
Use the lessons from these strong women to live your best life. Grab a cute new journal, like this one from Asya Woods, to start setting empowering goals inspired by these quotes. We are fanning over the Black girl magic cover art…it is an empowering vibe all it’s own!
Read Next: Affirmations for Black Women: An Unleashed Path to Self Rising
