At times, it can be easy to get out of touch with ourselves. We may forget about the inner strength we possess or become discouraged by some of life’s hardships. Finding our way back is a personal journey that can be both empowering and fulfilling, as we are reminded of our ability to move forward and release what no longer serves us. If you find yourself in a similar place, take a moment to reflect on these 30 quotes by influential Black Women encouraging us to be unwavering in our self-growth process.

Loving oneself isn’t hard, when you understand who and what ‘yourself’ is. It has nothing to do with the shape of your face, the size of your eyes, the length of your hair or the quality of your clothes. It’s so beyond all of those things and it’s what gives life to everything about you. Your own self is such a treasure.”

-Phylicia Rashad

 

Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.”

-Aretha Franklin

 

I am content that the work that I’ve done is wonderful.”

-Angela Bassett

 

I believe your reality is what you make it, what you choose to see, and what you choose to allow yourself to do. There are possibilities all around you – magic all around you – no matter what situation you’re in.”

-Keke Palmer

 

When I use my strength in the service of my vision it makes no difference whether or not I am afraid.”

-Audre Lorde

 

Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect and make everyone else deal with you the same way.”

 -Nikki Giovanni

 

For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.”

Michelle Obama, Becoming

 

There’s got to be a voice deep within you that is untouched by definitions. And it is there that you become divinely who you are.”

-Viola Davis

 

The Divine Impulse – it’s always safe to follow it. We’ve got to trust it and go wherever it takes us. Especially women.”

-Ruby Dee

 

Figure out what you need to do to be the heroine of your own story.”

-Ava DuVernay

 

But out of limitations comes creativity.”

-Debbie Allen

 

You cannot live to please everyone else. You have to edify, educate and fulfill your own dreams and destiny, and hope that whatever your art is that you’re putting out there, if it’s received, great, I respect you for receiving it. If it’s not received, great, I respect you for not.“

-Octavia Spencer

 

Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.”

-Maya Angelou

 

To soar toward what’s possible, you must leave behind what’s comfortable.”

 -Cicely Tyson, Just As I Am

 

It’s important to be alive in those moment, especially when you’re doing something you love to do.”

-Jenifer Lewis

 

Every woman is a queen, and we all have different things to offer.”

-Queen Latifah

 

You deserve to take up space.”

– Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

 

…sometimes we need to reinvent ourselves and then get reacquainted with our better selves. “

-Terry McMillan

 

You are your best thing.”

-Toni Morrison

 

The key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional GPS that can tell you which way to go.”

-Oprah Winfrey

 

We know that when a woman speaks truth to power, there will be attempts to put her down… I’m not going to go anywhere. “

Maxine Waters

 

I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.”

 -Tracee Ellis Ross

 

Time has nothing to do with the gifts that the gods give you; it’s what you do.”

-Anita Baker

 

Your moment of clarity comes when you face your fears.”

-Chaka Khan

 

You shouldn’t have regrets. I’d say instead that I’ve learned a lot of lessons. Yes, I could have handled some things better. But they’ve also made me who I am today.”

-Natalie Cole

 

You can never be happy until you understand why you’re doing what you’re doing.”

– Janet Jackson

 

God-willing and prayerfully, we are always growing and changing and developing personally and professionally.”

Kim Fields

 

Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.”

 -Alice Walker

 

“If you are afraid to take a chance, take one anyway. What you don’t do can create the same regrets as the mistakes you make.”

 -Iyanla Vanzant

 

Being unapologetic means that I will be all of me. I will no longer shrink or compromise myself by playing small so others will not feel insecure in my presence.”

-Lisa Nichols

 

What are some other inspirational and powerful quotes by Black women that you keep on hand? Share them in the comments below! 🙂

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *