When we're having a long, tiring, hard day or there is a lot weighing on our minds, sometimes inspiring quotes can give the boost needed to raise our confidence or change our mindsets. Sometimes the words of those we respect and admire have the power to make us feel uplifted during a difficult time or even challenge our way of thinking.
Since February is Black History Month, it's important to acknowledge all of the talented, strong, beautiful Black women that have done amazing things in the world. So, we gathered 50 motivating quotes from all types of fabulous Black women. Actresses, singers, politicians, writers, models, and athletes — they are all here, and they all have some incredible advice for women.
These quotes can help lift all people's spirits, no matter what color they are. They range from the topics of empowerment, self-worth, love, family, work, and more. These celebrities are all talented and wonderful in different ways and it can be refreshing to receive inspiration or advice from those we view as successful. I'm sure all folks can find a quote or two in here to make them smile.
Tracee Ellis Ross
“It was when I realized I needed to stop trying to be somebody else and be myself, I actually started to own, accept and love what I had.”
Angela Bassett
"Don't settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that's in us."
Oprah Winfrey
"What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have."
Gabrielle Union
"If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself."
Beyoncé Knowles
“It is so liberating to really know what I want, what truly makes me happy, what I will not tolerate. I have learned that it is no one else's job to take care of me but me."
Maya Angelou
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
Issa Rae
"I thrive on obstacles. If I'm told that it can't be told, then I push harder."
Zendaya
"I have standards I don't plan on lowering for anybody … including myself."
Rihanna
"I always believed that when you follow your heart or your gut, when you really follow the things that feel great to you, you can never lose, because settling is the worst feeling in the world."
Janelle Monáe
"Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn't have to become perfect because I've learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness."
Michelle Obama
"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once, but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own."
Solange Knowles
"When you take care of yourself, you're a better person for others. When you feel good about yourself, you treat others better."
Danielle Brooks
"Ideally, I want to see all beauties, all shapes, all sizes, all skin tones, all backgrounds represented in my profession. Now that I am blessed to be that reflection I was once looking for, I'm making a promise to speak out for that little girl that I used to be. I might not have the power to change what media puts out there, or to single-handedly convince young girls like me that they should love themselves. But what I can do is start with me: living each day, embracing who I am."
Nicki Minaj
"You wanna know what scares people? Success. When you don't make moves and when you don't climb up the ladder, everybody loves you because you're not competition."
Halle Berry
"There have been so many people who have said to me, 'You can't do that,' but I've had an innate belief that they were wrong. Be unwavering and relentless in your approach."
Tyra Banks
"Girls of all kinds can be beautiful — from the thin, plus-sized, short, very tall, ebony to porcelain-skinned; the quirky, clumsy, shy, outgoing, and all in between. It's not easy though because many people still put beauty into a confining, narrow box … Think outside of the box … Pledge that you will look in the mirror and find the unique beauty in you."
Simone Biles
"I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all."
Laverne Cox
"When you put love out in the world, it travels, and it can touch people and reach people in ways that we never even expected."
Mary J. Blige
"There's so many things that life is, and no matter how many breakthroughs, trials will exist and we're going to get through it. Just be strong."
Raven-Symoné
"It's important for young people to know that they are made the way they are made and they're beautiful and that's how they're supposed to be."
Missy Elliott
"Don't let anyone steal ya joy! There's always someone miserable trying to bring you down … you just wish them well & proceed on enjoying your life."
Lupita Nyong'o
"I realized that beauty was not a thing that I could acquire or consume, it was something I just had to be."
Meghan Markle
"Women make up more than half of the world's population and potential. So it is neither just nor practical for their voices, for our voices, to go unheard at the highest levels of decision-making."
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
Kerry Washington
"I realized that I don't have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life."
Aaliyah
"Everything is worth it. The hard work, the times when you're tired, the times where you're a bit sad, in the end, it's all worth it because it really makes me happy. There's nothing better than loving what you do."
Yara Shahidi
"I don't know everything. I know a fraction of what there is to know and I don't think I will ever know everything, but it's important to me to constantly challenge myself, to understanding different viewpoints, really understanding nuance in topics, so I can feel qualified in what I say, so I'm not preaching falsely of what I'm unaware of."
Mel B
"Yes, I do have a big ego … and I am in love with myself … Because if you don't love yourself how can anybody love you back?"
Viola Davis
"You can't be hesitant about who you are."
Queen Latifah
"Beauty is not just a white girl. It's so many different flavors and shades."
Taraji P. Henson
"I don't harp on the negative because if you do, then there's no progression. There's no forward movement. You got to always look on the bright side of things, and we are in control. Like, you have control over the choices you make."
Whitney Houston
"I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow; if I fail, if I succeed, at least I'll live as I believe."
Alicia Keys
"I'm not ashamed of what I am and that I have curves and that I'm thick. I like my body."
Jada Pinkett Smith
"When I'm tired, I rest. I say, 'I can't be a superwoman today.'"
Ciara
"I truly believe that if you put your goals in writing, speak them out loud, and work for them, they will happen."
Janet Jackson
"In complete darkness, we are all the same; it is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us. Don't let your eyes deceive you."
Naomi Campbell
"Am I bossy? Absolutely. I don't like to lose, and if I'm told 'no,' then I find another way to get my 'yes.' But I'm a loyal person."
Tina Turner
"Sometimes you've got to let everything go — purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything … whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you'll find that when you're free, your true creativity, your true self comes out."
Rosa Parks
"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."
Vivica A. Fox
"A great figure or physique is nice, but it's self-confidence that makes someone really sexy."
Diana Ross
"You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself."
Tia Mowry
"We need to be more supportive with everything. With body images, especially with women, showing that all sizes are beautiful. And I'm talking about in magazines, advertisements in regard to what's sexy and what's not sexy. We all need to be a little more supportive of each other."
Meagan Good
"Just be honest and true to yourself. If your friends around you love you, they'll wish you the best and want only what's going to make you happy."
Wendy Williams
"Jealous people are insecure. The more you like and respect yourself, the less likely you are to be envious."
Lauren London
"I think that in any family — Black, white, Chinese, Spanish, whatever — family is family. You know that there's dysfunction, and that there's this cousin who doesn't like this auntie. But, at the end of the day, like I say, love brings everybody together."
Shonda Rhimes
"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change."
Condoleezza Rice
"What you know today can affect what you do tomorrow. But what you know today cannot affect what you did yesterday."
Zora Neale Hurston
"Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It's beyond me."
Misty Copeland
"Speak up for yourself and what you believe in. You can still be an elegant woman and be strong and powerful."
Toni Morrison
"You wanna fly, you got to give up the s— that weighs you down."
Coretta Scott King
"Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated."
