Women’s History Month is all about celebrating the achievements of women throughout history. Black women’s contributions are often under-appreciated and historically erased. Whether its health, entertainment, literature, science and gastronomy, Black women have made notable contributions and are worthy of celebration. Women’s History Month is an opportunity to revel in that energy. Sometimes, all it takes is a few inspirational quotes from Black women to feel seen. Check out this list of inspirational quotes from Black women to give you life this month.
13 Life-Giving Quotes from Black Women
“Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you. Womanhood is everything that’s inside of you.” – Viola Davis, actress and producer.
“One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.” – Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States
“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.” – Tracee Ellis Ross, actress.
“A black woman making art is a disruptive act. Every story that I tell as a woman is a political act, even if I want to tell a ‘silly love story.’ The fact it exists through my gaze is radical.” – Ava DuVernay, filmmaker and screenwriter.
“The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.” – Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, singer, actress and business owner
“For a long time . . . I defined myself by what I wasn’t, which constantly set me up for failure and disappointment. And my life changed when I focused on what I was good at, what I liked most about myself, and what made me stand out. Once I learned to like me more than others did, then I didn’t have to worry about being the funniest or the most popular or the prettiest. I was the best me and I only ever tried to be that.” – Issa Rae, actress and writer
“It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.” – Maya Angelou, poet and author of ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ autobiographical series.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker, author of “The Color Purple”
“Knowing your generational story firms the ground upon which you stand. It makes your life, your struggles and triumphs, bigger than your lone existence. It connects you to a grand plotline.” – Cicely Tyson, actress
“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” – Janelle Monáe, singer, song writer, rapper and actress.
“That’s all I could ever hope for, to have a positive effect on women. ‘Cos women are powerful, powerful beings. But they’re also the most doubtful beings. They’ll never know — we’ll never know — how powerful we are.” – Rihanna, singer and business owner
“When I dare to be powerful — to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” – Audre Lorde, writer and activist
“You are your best thing.”- Toni Morrison, novelist