Sometimes you need a few words that help you keep going—or remind you that it’s okay to pause.
As women of color, we can spend so much time meeting expectations and showing up for everyone else that our own needs, dreams, and joy get pushed aside. These 20 encouraging quotes from phenomenal women of color are an invitation to come back to yourself.
As a therapist, I often remind women that how we speak to ourselves matters. A quote won’t change everything you’re carrying, but it can offer a different perspective when self-doubt gets loud.
Find a few words you need today. Save them, say them aloud, or share them with a friend who could use a little encouragement, too.
Learn more about individual therapy in NY
We witness this struggle firsthand in therapy and when I coach our leaders. We see brilliant, fully equipped women being subtly held back by the world around them. These microaggressions often fuel an internal battle of self-worth, triggering imposter syndrome. The real work involves creating distance between these emotional threats and our true capabilities and recognizing our belief in ourselves and the expertise we bring to the table.
The journey is about reclaiming our space and affirming our right to be authentic, capable, and remarkable despite the world’s efforts to say otherwise.
“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. Find a quote that works for you and repost one for a friend.
If you are overwhelmed and it’s disrupting your peace, book a therapy appointment and let’s chat. There is power in adding a dope therapist to your team.
In whatever season this finds you, I hope these positive quotes by other women of color will help you feel motivated and inspired.
(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
Free Download
You deserve a little joy, too.
When was the last time you did something simply because it made you happy?
If you’ve been caught up in work, responsibilities, and showing up for everyone else, this is your invitation to check in with yourself. Download my free Black Girl Joy Inventory and explore what brings you joy—and what you’d like to make more room for.
Get My Free Joy Inventory →(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 quote that resonated 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. There is someone in your circle who needs to feel encouraged today.
Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Speaker, and Mindset Coach for high-achieving professionals. Her joy is tackling mental health on multiple platforms. She is available for speaking engagements (workshops, panels) and coaching. You can also find her at the annual Renew Connect Restore Black Women’s Health Retreat.
To inquire about therapy appointments: https://amandafludd.com/make-an-appointment/
Related Reads:
Reclaiming Stillness: How Black and Brown Women Can Rediscover Themselves