20 Encouraging Quotes From Phenomenal Women of Color
Being authentic isn’t easy — especially for women of color. The expectations, the pressure to perform, and the unspoken rules about who we’re allowed to be can be exhausting. Over time, that constant weight shows up as self-doubt, anxiety, emotional fatigue, and the quiet feeling that you’re always carrying more than you should have to.
I see this firsthand in my work as a licensed psychotherapist supporting Black women who are high-functioning, capable, and deeply committed — often to everyone but themselves. Many of the women I work with are successful on paper, dependable in their families and communities, and still feel internally stretched thin. Not because they’re doing something wrong, but because they’ve been doing too much alone for too long.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you or pushing you to be stronger. It’s about slowing down, creating space to breathe, and having a place where you don’t have to explain, perform, or hold everything together. It’s a space to unpack the pressure, reconnect with yourself, and learn how to carry life with more support and less strain.
If these quotes resonate, there’s a reason. And if you’re ready for support that meets you where you are — not where you think you should be — therapy can be a meaningful place to start.
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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
(3)
“If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself.”
– Gabrielle Union
What I will say is that what I’ve learned for myself is that I don’t have to be anybody else and that myself is good enough; and that when I am being true to that self, then I can avail myself to extraordinary things. You have to allow for the impossible to be possible.
–Lupita Nyong’o
(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
