50+ Black Women’s Quotes to Inspire, Empower, and Uplift
A few strong words can sometimes make you feel better, give you more confidence, or remind you of how strong you are. This selection of black women’s quotes is here to provide you encouragement whenever you need it.
These quotations honor the strength, intelligence, and bravery of Black women. They talk about things like perseverance, self-love, motivation, and empowerment.
Each statement is here to remind you that your voice, your power, and your story matter. They are great for journaling, posting on social media, or just getting a mental boost when things get busy.
Inspirational Quotes by Black Women
- “I am my best work – a series of road maps, reports, recipes, doodles, and prayers from the front lines.” – Audre Lorde
- “Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect, and make everyone else deal with you the same way.” – Nikki Giovanni
- “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
- “The only way to deal with this life meaningfully is to find your passion and put everything into it.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
- “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou
- “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou
- “I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” – Audre Lorde
- “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” – Anne Sweeney
- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Motivational Quotes for Self-Love & Confidence
- “I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or to someone else’s ignorance.” – Bell Hooks
- “Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.” – Alice Walker
- “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis
- “I am unapologetically Black. I’m unapologetically me. And I am enough.” – Unknown
- “Your crown has been bought and paid for. Put it on your head and wear it.” – Maya Angelou
- “I’m my best work and still a masterpiece.” – Unknown
- “Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. Trust your instincts — good relationships feel good.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “I’ve learned that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt (celebrated by Black women leaders)
- “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott (inspired by Black women trailblazers)
- “If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.” – Toni Morrison
Quotes About Strength and Resilience
- “I am a strong Black woman. I cannot be intimidated, and I cannot be destroyed.” – Unknown
- “I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself.” – Emma Watson (ally to the Black community)
- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
- “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker
- “I’ve learned that making a living is not the same as making a life.” – Maya Angelou
- “I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” – Audre Lorde
- “I’m building a life I don’t need to escape from.” – Unknown
- “I’ve learned that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela (applied by Black women leaders)
- “I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to someone else’s ignorance.” – Bell Hooks
- “I am enough of me to stand for myself.” – Shirley Chisholm
Famous Quotes by Black Women
- “Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts — good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or ignorance.” – Bell Hooks
- “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis
- “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are.” – Maya Angelou
- “If you want to fly, give up what weighs you down.” – Toni Morrison
- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
- “I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” – Audre Lorde
- “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou
- “I’ve learned that making a living is not the same as making a life.” – Maya Angelou
- “Your crown has been bought and paid for. Put it on your head and wear it.” – Maya Angelou
Empowerment & Daily Use Quotes
- “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” – Anne Sweeney
- “I am my best work – a series of road maps, reports, recipes, doodles, and prayers from the front lines.” – Audre Lorde
- “I’ve learned that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela
- “I am enough of me to stand for myself.” – Shirley Chisholm
- “I will not have my life narrowed down.” – Bell Hooks
- “I am unapologetically Black. I’m unapologetically me. And I am enough.” – Unknown
- “Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.” – Alice Walker
- “I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” – Audre Lorde
- “I’m building a life I don’t need to escape from.” – Unknown
- “Your crown has been bought and paid for. Put it on your head and wear it.” – Maya Angelou
How to Use These Quotes in Your Daily Life
- Journal Inspiration: Write one quote each morning and reflect on it.
- Social Media Love: Post them on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok. Super shareable.
- Home Decor: Frame your favorites or put them on a vision board.
- Gift Ideas: Use these quotes on journals, mugs, or tote bags. Subtle plug, but hey—empowerment and products can co-exist
Conclusion
There you have it—50+ black women’s quotes to inspire, empower, and uplift. From resilience and strength to self-love and motivation, these words are little reminders that your voice, your power, and your story matter.
Whenever life gets tricky, scroll through these quotes, pick one that hits you, and let it fuel your day. Share a few, use them creatively, and just soak in the wisdom. Trust me, it works.