20 Encouraging Quotes From Phenomenal Women of Color

Being authentic is not easy, especially for women of color. They have to break norms and find the courage to walk the path less traveled while navigating perceptions of what or who they can be.

“I am not less, because I’m Black. And I am not less, because I’m a Woman.” – Marian Wright

If today is one of those days you are tired of fighting for your value, motivation is running low, or you are just looking for self-assurance, we hope to inspire you with the words of other phenomenal women of color as you continue to create the change you wish to see.

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To all women who are experiencing inequalities and injustice in the pursuit of their dreams, here are a few encouraging tips:  

1. Don’t stay where you are not valued. Think about how much time and energy you are wasting navigating that. Take a breath, and get grounded in your worth. Reassess your marketable skills and pivot.
2. Money isn’t everything. Your mental health and overall well-being are priceless, and your expertise is valuable.
3. Watch for complacency. It’s like drinking the Kool-Aid in a cult. As much as you dislike the experience and recognize the emotional exhaustion of your current situation, it’s easy to put your needs second and make yourself small for the benefit of the culture.
4. Find like-minded women who are willing to support you. It’s a skill to learn how to seek help and sometimes how to support each other. Research shows that women benefit from collaboration with other women professionals; however, at least 70% of female executives have experienced bullying by other women, according to the Ladders and research published in the journal Development and Learning in Organisations. Whether it happened at work or in other areas of our life, learning to heal the wounds caused by other women may be key to positioning ourselves to receive and give help again. The more we can share of ourselves with others, the more support and encouragement we receive in return.

In whatever season this finds you, I hope these positive quotes by other women of color will help you feel motivated and inspired enough to reconsider your possibilities.

(1)

“It’s time for you to move, realizing that the thing you are seeking is also seeking you.”

— Iyanla Vanzant

(2)

“You can fall, but you can rise also.”

– Angelique Kidjo

(3)

“If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself.”

– Gabrielle Union

(4)

“Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.”

– Sadie Delany

(5)

“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”

-Oprah Winfrey

(6)

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

― Angela Davis

(7)

“Am I good enough? Yes I am.”

– Michelle Obama

(8)

“Walls turned sideways are bridges.”

― Angela Davis

(9)

“The way to win is to try.”

– Stacey Abrams

(10)

“Determine to live life with flair and laughter.”

– Maya Angelou

(11)

“When the heart is right, the mind and body will follow.”

– Coretta Scott King

(12)

“I got my start by giving myself a start.”

– Madam CJ Walker

(13)

“Only make decisions that support your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth.”

– Oprah Winfrey

(14)

“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”

– Maya Angelou

(15)

“You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe.”

– Oprah Winfrey

(16)

”Don’t listen to those who say YOU CAN’T. Listen to the voice inside yourself that says, I CAN.”

 – Shirley Chisolm

(17)

“Let nothing dim the light that shines from within.”

– Maya Angelou

(18)

“Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you.”

– Beyoncé Knowles

(19)

“I am no longer accepting “Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.”

– Janelle Monáe

(20)

“Some of your goals are buried so deep in fear it doesn’t have access to what it needs to grow”

-Amanda Fludd

Did you find at least one encouraging quote that resonates with you? Take that quote and say it aloud to yourself when you need a little encouragement and better yet, share it with other phenomenal women of color. Black women need to feel inspired and encouraged every day.

I’m focusing more on balance lately- emotional and physical. To help track my progress and organize my thoughts for the month I use the Well Starts Here Planner and, for ongoing support, the Goal Slayers Mastermind, a community of like-minded women of color. Those may be excellent resources for you too.

Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Speaker, and Mindset Coach for high-achieving women and professionals venturing into business. Her joy is tackling mental health on multiple platforms. She is available for speaking engagements and training and will be at the annual Renew Connect Restore Black Women’s Health Retreat in Panama this Summer, 2023.

Related Reads:

Dismantle The Doubt and Build Your Dreams

How to Follow Through On Your Goals

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