Black Authors + Quotes
Sistah Girls, some people call them affirmations, assertions, or daily reminders. Whatever you choose to call them, just know they’ve helped me when I’ve lost myself, doubted myself, or simply forgotten who I am and was created to be.
Quotes by authors I admire have always pushed me beyond my limits. If they’ve helped me, I know they can help someone else. So here are a few quotes from Black authors who have inspired me. As a bonus, I’ve included their books.
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” -Audre Lorde
“Discomfort is always a necessary part of enlightenment.” -Pearl Cleage
Ya’know that feeling of stretching past your comfort zone? Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s so necessary. You have to admit, once you do it, you realize it wasn’t that bad at all. Or maybe it was that bad, but did you die??
“When you know your name, you should hang on to it, for unless it is noted down and remembered, it will die when you do.” –Toni Morrison (Song of Solomon)
“Nobody built like you, you design yourself.” -Jay-Z
Every prayer, every decision, every vision, and every dream make up your design. No one is you and that is your power.
“Rappers are my storytellers” -Jason Reynolds
One of the first “Golden Age” rap songs I fell in love with was Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story.” It is, without a doubt, a rap song complete with plot, characters, conflict, setting, and theme.
He was my first introduction to rappers who told stories. Later, thanks to my older brothers, I was introduced to Biggie and Jay-Z.
“Ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.” -James Baldwin (No Name in the Street)
“He who runs when the sun is sleeping will stumble many times.” -Assata Shakur (Assata)
“Loyalty is showed [shown] through actions, not words.” -Gucci Mane
The actions must always align with the words, but you can always tell with actions.
“I Love Myself When I Am Laughing And Then Again When I Am Looking Mean & Impressive.” -Zora Neale Hurston
As Black women, how long and how often have we been told to “smile” by men passing by or those choosing it as an opening line to a conversation?
Too many I’m sure. Whether my smile is wide and bright filled with laughter or hidden behind a stone stare, I remind myself that both are beautiful.
Last, but certainly not least, please repeat after me: There’s only one rule…
“I will not lose.” -Jay-Z
