15 INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FROM BLACK LEADERS
African American leaders have emerged throughout history to inspire and guide young people on their journey toward success. Their wisdom, courage, and unwavering determination have paved the way for progress, equality, and empowerment.
These 15 inspirational quotes serve as guiding lights for youths, encouraging them to dream big, overcome obstacles, and positively impact the world around them.
1) FREDERICK DOUGLASS
“If there is not struggle, there is no progress.”
— Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)
Frederick Douglass was born into slavery. He escaped bondage and became a prominent abolitionist, writer, and orator.
His powerful work, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” shed light on the horrors of slavery and advocated for equal rights and education for African Americans.
TAKE AWAY: Life is full of challenges, but it is in overcoming adversities that you grow, progress, and succeed.
2) MAYA ANGELOU
“SUCCESS IS LIKING YOURSELF, LIKING WHAT YOU DO, AND LIKING HOW YOU DO IT.”
— Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
Maya Angelou was a renowned poet and civil rights activist. Her autobiographical work, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” is a poignant exploration of her early life and experiences with trauma and racism.
Angelou’s poetry and writings often touched on empowerment, identity, and resilience themes. She encouraged individuals to pursue their passions and find satisfaction in their areas of interest.
TAKE AWAY: Maya Angelou emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and finding fulfillment in what you love to do.
3) Dr. Mae Jemison
Photo: Courtesy NASA, [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons
“NEVER BE LIMITED BY OTHER PEOPLE’S LIMITED IMAGINATIONS.”
— Dr. Mae Jemison (b. 1956)
Dr. Mae Jemison is a physician, engineer, and the first African American woman to travel to space. She served as a NASA astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor.
She strongly advocates for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. And she encourages young people, especially girls and minorities, to pursue their interests in these fields.
TAKE AWAY: Let your imagination soar, and do not let others limit your goals or dreams.
4) Malcolm x
“EDUCATION IS OUR PASSPORT TO THE FUTURE, FOR TOMORROW BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE WHO PREPARE FOR IT TODAY.”
— Malcolm X (1925-1965)
A prominent human rights activist, Malcolm X, played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Initially a vocal advocate for black separatism and self-defense, he later embraced a more inclusive and tolerant approach to achieve racial harmony.
His autobiography, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” remains a significant account of his transformation and legacy.
TAKE AWAY: Education is empowering. You can use it to help shape a better future for yourself and others.
5) Shirley chisholm
Wikimedia Commons
“YOU DON’T MAKE PROGRESS BY STANDING ON THE SIDELINES, WHIMPERING AND COMPLAINING.”
— Shirley Chisholm (1924 - 2005)
Shirley Chisholm made history as the first African American woman elected to Congress and in 1972 she was the first African American woman to run for a major party’s presidential nomination.
She encouraged engagement and active participation for those who want to bring about change.
TAKE AWAY: If you want to change things, you have to step up, be involved, and help make progress. Simply complaining will not get things done.
6) mARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
“the time is always right to do what is right.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
Dr. King spoke these words during the civil rights movement, emphasizing the importance of taking action for justice and equality.
He delivered the famous “I Have a Dream” speech and led numerous campaigns, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington.
(Reference: “The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.” edited by Clayborne Carson)
TAKE AWAY: Stand up for what is morally just and ethically right, regardless of popular opinion or circumstances. Do not wait for the “perfect” moment. Be courageous and act with integrity in all aspects of your life.
7) BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
Wikimedia Commons/Photo by Francis Benjamin Johnston, circa 1895
“WE SHOULD NOT PERMIT OUR GRIEVANCES TO OVERSHADOW OUR OPPORTUNITIES.”
— Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
Born into slavery, Washington became a prominent educator, author, and advocate for African American advancement.
He founded the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) and promoted vocational training and economic self-reliance as the path to racial progress.
Washington's "Up from Slavery" was an unprecedented success, remaining the best-selling autobiography of an African American for over sixty years following its publication in 1901.
TAKE AWAY: Focus on the resources and opportunities you have available to you rather than letting hardships overwhelm you. Believe in the power of determination and have a positive outlook towards the future.
8) SERENA WILLIAMS
Photo Credit: Edwin Martinez from the Bronx/Wikimedia Commons
“I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.”
— Serena Williams (b. 1981)
Serena Williams is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis. Serena has left an unforgettable mark on the sport. Her unmatched athleticism and powerful playing style have helped her achieve an astonishing 23 Grand Slam singles titles, confirming her status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Beyond her remarkable success on the court, Williams is also a passionate advocate for gender equality and social justice. She uses her platform to speak out against injustice and has become an influential figure in the fight for equal pay in sports. Williams's impact extends far beyond tennis, making her a sporting icon, trailblazer, and role model.
TAKE AWAY: You will have wins but also failures. Treat setbacks as learning experiences. Being able to bounce back and rise stronger after a defeat is the true mark of a champion. It shows your courage, strength, and tenacity.
9) OPRAH WINFREY
CREATIVE COMMONS
“I AM WHERE I AM BECAUSE OF THE BRIDGES THAT I CROSSED. SOJOURNER TRUTH WAS A BRIDGE. HARRIET TUBMAN WAS A BRIDGE. IDA B. WELLS WAS A BRIDGE. MADAME C.J. WALKER WAS A BRIDGE. FANNIE LOU HAMER WAS A BRIDGE.”
Oprah Winfrey (b. 1954)
Oprah Winfrey is a renowned American media mogul, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. In 1986, she launched “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” a nationally syndicated talk show that became the highest-rated television program of its kind.
In 2011, Winfrey launched her own television network, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), providing a platform for diverse stories and voices.
Her achievements have gained her numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Winfrey uses her platform to inspire, empower, and make a positive impact on individuals and communities globally.
TAKE AWAY: There are trailblazers, people throughout history whose successes have paved the way for others. They are your bridges. Their efforts have helped overcome barriers. Learn from them.
10) TONI MORRISON
From Wikimedia Commons
“IF YOU CAN’T IMAGINE IT, YOU CAN’T HAVE IT.”
— Toni Morrison (1931-2019)
Toni Morrison was a celebrated writer, editor, and educator renowned for her profound examination of African American encounters and topics of race, identity, and gender.
She explored the African American experience and the aftermath of slavery through her works, receiving numerous awards, including Pulitzer Prize for Beloved in 1987 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
Toni Morrison's legacy continues to captivate readers and offer glimpses into the depths of the human spirit.
TAKE AWAY: Imagination fuels your motivation, ignites your creativity, and expands your sense of possibilities. Therefore the first step towards achieving something is to be able to imagine it, and then, you have to take steps to make it a reality.
11) LANGSTON HUGHES
Carl Van Vechten, Photographer/Public Domain
“A DREAM DEFERRED IS A DREAM DENIED.”
Langston Hughes (1902-1967)
Langston Hughes was a prominent poet, playwright, and novelist of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art, music, and literature in the 1920s and 1930s.
Hughes is well-known for his poetry collection “The Weary Blues” and his play “A Raisin in the Sun.” One of his most famous poems, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," shows his incredible talent. Published in 1921, when he was just 19, the work traces the history of African Americans back to ancient civilizations, connecting their heritage to the world's great rivers.
Beyond his literary achievements, Hughes was a dedicated social activist who used his platform to address racial injustice and inequality.
TAKE AWAY: Postponing your dreams can be disappointing. It can be heartbreaking whether they are delayed due to obstacles like finances or barriers that are out of your control. But don’t give up on your dreams. They can still come true.
12) JOHN LEWIS
Public Domain/Wikimedia
“you are a light. never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light. study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant.”
— John Lewis (1940-2020)
John Lewis was a civil rights leader, politician, and advocate for social justice. He played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, participating in key events such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington.
Lewis served as a U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district for over 30 years, championing voting rights, gun control, and other progressive causes.
TAKE AWAY: Know your value and the unique contributions you can make to the world. Do not let external forces or negative influences undermine your self-belief or dampen your spirit. Learn from others and follow their paths.
13) mary mcleod bethune
“OUR CHILDREN MUST NEVER LOSE THEIR ZEAL FOR BUILDING A BETTER WORLD.”
— Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955)
Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator, civil rights leader, and government official. She founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls (now Bethune-Cookman University).
President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Bethune to various roles, including special advisor on minority affairs. She was a tireless advocate for education, equal rights, and the empowerment of African American women.
TAKE AWAY: Your fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and unyielding determination can lead to meaningful advancements in areas like social justice, education, and equality. You can make the world a better place.
14) MICHELLE OBAMA
Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy, 2013
“Just try new things. Don’t be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar, all right?”
— Michelle Obama (b. 1964)
Michelle Obama served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, during the presidency of her husband, Barack Obama.
She received her law degree from Harvard Law School and began her legal career at a Chicago law firm. During her time as First Lady, Michelle Obama launched her Let’s Move! campaign aimed at combating childhood obesity and the Reach Higher initiative, encouraging young people to pursue higher education.
Michelle Obama is a bestselling author. Her memoir, “Becoming,” was published in 2018. She continues to advocate for girls’ education, women’s empowerment, and the well-being of military families.
TAKE AWAY: To reach your full potential, broader your horizons by trying something new. Take risks, embrace personal growth, and overcome your fears.
15) MUHAMMAD ALI
“DON’T COUNT THE DAYS, MAKE THE DAYS COUNT.”
— Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, was one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history. He began his boxing career at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics.
Not only did Ali dominate the sport with extraordinary athletic abilities, but he also captivated audiences with his bold personality and sharp wit. He coined phrases such as “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” and “I am the greatest,” becoming an icon known for his self-confidence and charisma.
Outside of boxing, Ali was a civil rights advocate, humanitarian, and goodwill ambassador.
TAKE AWAY: Ali encouraged individuals to focus on making each day meaningful and purposeful. Do not simply count down the passing of time. Instead, pursue your dreams, contribute to your communities, and live intentionally and with a sense of purpose.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, inspirational words from African American leaders serve as powerful messages for young people. These leaders have faced challenges and triumphed, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration. As young individuals embark on their own journey, they can draw strength from these quotes and strive to make a positive impact.
By embracing their uniqueness, standing up against injustice, and believing in their abilities, young people can contribute to a better future for everyone.