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! 🙂
Rashida A. Marshall is the creator of AFIYA Magazine, a digital health and lifestyle publication for Black women. This creative venture grew out of her love for learning, teaching, and sharing valuable wellness information to help improve the quality of life. Rashida is also a Pilates and dance instructor specializing in women’s health.