Awesome African American Quotes about Strength
These African American Quotes about Strength are famous, but do you know each one by heart? I’ve learned many of these while teaching my kids about resilience and determination.
They’ve become some of my favorite inspirational quotes & sayings because they show what it means to push through tough times and become stronger.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck or waiting for things to change, these powerful thoughts will give you the push you need. Each one comes from people who faced real challenges and found ways to overcome them, which makes their messages so powerful and authentic.
These African American sayings about strength are easy to remember and work great for Black History Month lessons or any time you need motivation. Why wait for someone else to help with your dreams when you can do it yourself?
Right now is the time to find that strength inside you! These lessons about being assertive will help you get there. Regularly reading them helps remind us that we’re capable of more than we think.
While you’re here, check out our other African American Quotes about different parts of life—they’re just as helpful for building confidence and character.
African American Quotes about Strength
These African American quotes about strength showcase the resilience that shaped history.
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Langston Hughes on Rising Higher
Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
-Langston Hughes
This line from Langston Hughes shows us why our dreams matter so much in life. He tells us to hold onto our hopes and goals because they keep us moving forward.
Think about his comparison – a bird with broken wings can’t fly like we can’t reach our full potential without our dreams driving us forward. These dreams give us a reason to keep trying when life gets hard.
Hughes reminds us that our dreams do more than make us happy – they give our lives direction and purpose. That is why we should never give up on them, even when things get tough. They’re the fuel that keeps us going and helps us become who we want to be.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Doing Right
The time is always right to do what is right.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King teaches us that doing the right thing doesn’t need to wait. We can always stand up for what’s reasonable and fair, no matter when or where.
How often do we think, “I’ll do it later” or “Now’s not a good time” when we know we should act? Dr. King’s message challenges this way of thinking. If it’s right today, it was yesterday, and it’ll be right tomorrow—so why wait?
By saying, “The time is always right,” Dr. King tells us that good choices don’t have a schedule. It’s about being brave enough to stand up for what’s fair, speak out when something’s wrong, and help create positive change in our communities.
This message encourages us to ask ourselves: What good can we do now? Whether standing up to unfair treatment, helping someone who needs it, or supporting our beliefs, now is always the perfect time to do what’s right!
Michael Jordan on Taking Risks
I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.
-Michael Jordan
These famous lines from basketball legend Michael Jordan show us what made him one of the best athletes ever. His words teach us about bouncing back and staying determined, even when things get tough.
When Jordan says he can accept failure, he tells us everyone faces setbacks and makes mistakes – no one is perfect! Even the most talented people fail sometimes. People like Jordan differ in how they handle and learn from those failures.
But then he adds something more critical: “I can’t accept not trying.” His statement shows us that being afraid to try is worse than trying and failing. Jordan found ways to grow, succeed, and achieve more by accepting challenges and giving his all.
These words remind us to keep pushing forward and believe we can improve. They encourage us to step out of our comfort zone, chase our goals, and learn from wins and losses.
Jordan shows us that while failure is just part of the journey, giving up before we try is the absolute defeat.
Booker T. Washington on Inner Power
Character is power.
-Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington argued a strong point about what matters in life in just three words. When he said, “Character is power,” he pointed out something we often forget in a world focused on success and achievements.
The real power comes from who we are – our values, honesty, and how we treat others. It’s not about what we own or achieve but about the choices we make and the principles we live by.
Our character shapes everything we do – from small daily decisions to life-changing choices. It’s the foundation that helps us face challenges, build trust, and make a difference in others’ lives.
The strength of our character determines how much we can impact the world around us. When we build strong values and stick to them, we gain power that lasts longer than any other success.
Washington’s short but meaningful message tells us to focus on building our inner strength and living by our values. We develop the power that truly matters by working on our character first.
Rosa Parks on Standing Firm
I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up.
-Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks shares a powerful truth about that December day in Montgomery. When she refused to give up her bus seat, she wasn’t trying to start a movement – she was simply done accepting unfair treatment.
The simplicity of her statement shows something remarkable: groundbreaking moments often start with one person saying “enough.” While Parks may not have known she would spark a civil rights revolution, her tiredness of giving in to injustice changed America forever.
By staying seated on that bus, Parks did more than refuse to move – she showed everyone what happens when we stop accepting unfair treatment. Her firm stand against segregation grew into a more significant movement than she could have imagined.
Parks shows us that making history doesn’t always need grand plans. Sometimes, it only takes bravery to say “no more” to what isn’t right. Her determination reminds us that standing up for what’s fair can create unexpected changes.
Her experience encourages us all to stand against unfairness when we see it. Even if we don’t know where it might lead, refusing to give up on what’s right can spark real change.
Serena Williams on Inner Drive
I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger.
-Serena Williams
When you watch Serena Williams dominate on the tennis court, you might think she never feels afraid. But she tells us something different.
Like us, she faces fears. What makes her stand out is how her competitive spirit always pushes her past those fears.
By saying she’s “lucky,” Serena shows us something important about dealing with fear. It’s not about getting rid of it completely. It’s about having something deeper inside you – that burning need to succeed that pushes you forward no matter what.
A champion faces doubts and worries, too, but the difference is they don’t let them stop them. They tap into their inner drive and let it lead the way. When Serena steps onto the court, her will to win is simply more potent than those fears.
Serena’s approach shows us how to keep going for anyone facing challenges. Feel the fear, but don’t let it be the boss! Let your desire to achieve your goals be the greater force.
Whether aiming for big wins like Serena or tackling everyday challenges, remember – your drive to succeed can be stronger than any fear.
Shirley Chisholm on Creating Opportunity
If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.
-Shirley Chisholm
Chisholm’s words fire up anyone who’s felt left out. Let’s see what she means.
When Chisholm talks about bringing your own folding chair when others won’t give you a seat, she tells us to stop waiting for welcome signs. You can create your own space.
Picture walking into a room where no one offers you a seat at the table. Nothing should stop you. You’ll grab that folding chair, set it down right there, and show everyone everything you bring to the table.
Her line shows us how to stand firm and carve our path. You don’t need others to tell you that you belong or matter. Stand up and speak out – your voice needs to be heard!
Chisholm’s words ring true for anyone who’s felt brushed aside or ignored. She calls everyone who’s been silenced to step forward. Your voice matters, and you have the power to join any conversation.
Keep that folding chair handy wherever you go. Walk through those barriers others build. Let them hear your thoughts and ideas in those crucial talks. A folding chair and determination – that’s all you need to open doors!
Maya Angelou on Growth
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
-Maya Angelou
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Here’s the beauty of what Maya Angelou tells us: You don’t need all the answers right now. Just give your all with what you know today.
Think about it – you’re out there trying your hardest with the knowledge you have. That’s exactly what you should do! Angelou wants us to understand that giving our best effort right now counts, even if we’re still learning.
She reminds us that learning never stops. Life teaches us new things – we must use them. Once you discover a better way – try it. As your understanding grows – act on it.
This speaks to everyone growing and changing. Start where you are with what you know. Pour your heart into it. Then, as you learn more, level up your actions—simple as that.
Each day brings opportunities to learn something new. Maya Angelou tells us to grab those opportunities, take what we learn, and implement it. That’s how we grow stronger and wiser.
Your best today might look different from your best tomorrow – and that’s good! Keep learning, keep growing, keep doing. Every step forward counts on this journey to becoming better.
Carl Lewis on Self-Belief
If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.
-Carl Lewis
Carl Lewis shares a secret about winning – confidence makes all the difference. When we believe in ourselves, we push through obstacles, take smart risks, and give our best effort to reach our goals.
Picture walking into any challenge with absolute confidence. Your energy is high, you’re determined to succeed, and nothing can stop you. You’re ready to work hard and stick with it when things get tough. That confidence gives you an extra push toward victory.
But when doubts creep in and confidence drops, excuses start to appear. Those negative thoughts drain your motivation and keep you from reaching your full potential. You might begin second-guessing your choices or abilities, which gets in the way of moving forward.
Building confidence helps us achieve our goals and come out ahead. It starts with believing in yourself, knowing your strengths, and trusting that you have what it takes to succeed.
True confidence comes from knowing what you can do, learning from mistakes, and improving daily. When you build up your confidence, you’re more likely to grab opportunities and overcome any challenge that comes your way.
If you want to boost your confidence, start small! Focus on what you do well, learn from your experiences, and keep pushing forward. When confidence becomes your partner, success follows naturally.
James Baldwin on Knowing Your Roots
If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go.
-James Baldwin
Understanding your history and what made you who you are today becomes a powerful force in your life. It works like a compass, showing you the way forward on your path.
Baldwin shows us that connecting with your roots lets you break through limits. This connection gives you the confidence to dream big and set high goals – ones you might not have thought possible!
You’re like an oak tree with deep roots in the ground. The deeper those roots grow, the stronger you become. The same happens when you know yourself and your heritage well—it gives you a solid base to grow and explore new directions.
Knowing your past and cultural heritage helps you see your unique strengths. This knowledge fuels your journey and guides you forward with purpose. It opens up new possibilities and lets you reach your full potential.
Take time to learn about your heritage, family history, and the stories that made you who you are. Your roots hold the key to unlocking what you can become.
You’ll see how far you can go once you connect with your origins. No challenge seems too big when you know yourself and value your background.
Oprah Winfrey on Future Vision
When I look at the future, it’s so bright it burns my eyes.
-Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey shares her view of what’s ahead. She sees so many good things coming that their glow is almost too much. Her future isn’t scary or uncertain – it’s filled with chances and dreams waiting to come true.
It’s like watching the sunrise on a clear morning. The light fills everything with warmth and hope. That’s how Oprah sees tomorrow – full of promise and new beginnings.
The way we look at our future changes how we act today. We work harder to reach our goals when we see good things ahead. We try new things and step forward into the unknown because we believe something incredible is waiting.
Oprah stays positive and won’t let negative thoughts dim her view. She shows us we can look at tomorrow with excitement rather than worry. Our future becomes what we believe it can be.
Her view helps us push away doubt and fear. We can focus on the bright opportunities and work toward making our dreams real.
Let the brightness of tomorrow guide you forward. Your future holds so much promise – all you need to do is reach for it!
Toni Morrison on Self-Worth
You are your best thing.
-Toni Morrison
These five simple words from Morrison tell us something: your greatest strength is yourself. Just as you are right now, you are the most valuable thing in your life.
Every day, we hear messages about what we should be or how we need to compare ourselves to others. Morrison cuts through all that noise to remind us that we’re already enough, already impressive, precisely as we are.
This line tells us to accept and value ourselves. Our worth doesn’t come from what others think or say. It’s already inside us—we must see and believe it.
You have your mix of talents, experiences, and ways of seeing things that no one else in the world has. Like a diamond, you shine in your unique way.
When you understand these words, you start to see your strengths, what you love, and what you dream about in a new light. Every part of your journey – the good and the hard times – has helped make you who you are.
Take time to think about what makes you who you are. Trust that you are your own best asset. The world needs just what you bring to it.
The Importance of Powerful Thoughts | African American Quotes about Strength
Some wise words don’t get much attention. It’s time to change that! With the power of social media and the internet, young people and people worldwide can hear the words about strength that might make this Earth a better place.
These would be great topics for Black History Month discussions with the kids. Use them as a talking point the next time you discuss U.S. history and the great dream.
These can also be a way to discuss some of the black leaders and figures throughout our history, such as Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman, Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, Ella Fitzgerald, Colin Powell, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Thurgood Marshall, Muhammad Ali, and more.
We all care about the hard work and freedom of others and the humanity of our fellow beings. Discussing these leaders and strong black women and men from the past can also bring about discussions about social justice, understanding one’s true self, correcting wrongs, and overcoming some of the most difficult challenges.
Talk about the achievements of African Americans and the black community, and use these thoughts as talking points.
Build Your Strength Inside and Out:
Being strong isn’t just about muscles – it’s about building up your mind, heart, and body.
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The following planning printables of mine can be found on:
Here are some helpful resources aside from the African American mantras about strength to get you started:
- Fitness Planner
- Strength Morse Code Bracelet
- Teacher Strong Tshirt
- Inexpensive Ways to Workout at Home
- Clean Eating Pre-Workout Supplements
- Mindfulness for Overwhelm and Stress
- Exercise and Your Mental Health
- Healthy Snack Recipes
Grow Your Faith, Grow Your Strength:
African American words about strength can only do so much. True strength often comes from a foundation of faith. These resources can help nurture your spiritual journey:
- One Year Kids Bible Reading Plan
- Good Morning Spiritual Quotes
- Printable Easter Activity Pack Full of Faith and Fun
More Words to Build You Up:
Looking for more inspiration? These collections offer wisdom for every part of life:
