You cant save the people if you dont serve the people. Cornel West, philosopher, political activist and social critic, 5. From civil rights activists to modern figures, heres our list of famous black women quotes to inspire you to dream big: Hate is too great a burden to bear. Im very proud to be Black, but Black is not all I am. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us. Wilma Rudolph, Olympic champion, 76. Freedom is not something that one people can bestow on another as a gift. The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they dont have any. For to be free is not merely to cast off ones chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. And youve got to pick the side that youre going to be on. Pharrell Williams, rapper, singer/songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur and fashion designer, 83. 21 Color SVG Files * 21 Color DXF Files * 21 Color PNG Files * 21 Color EPS File. I am and always will be a catalyst for change. Shirley Chisholm, first Black woman to be elected to Congress (in 1968) and to run for president (in 1972), 47. Thats my cultural, historical background, my genetic makeup, but its not all of who I am, nor is it the basis from which I answer every question. Denzel Washington, I also believe that you are what you have to defend, and if youre a Black man, thats always going to be the bar against which you are judged, whether you want to align yourself with those themes or not. There will be times when youll be disappointed, but you cant stop. Ronald Reagan's Remarks on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetary, 1982. The soul that is within me no man can degrade. Lets take a look. "The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.". The origin story that did stick involves an 1868 call from General John A. Logan, president of a Union Army veterans group, urging Americans to decorate the graves of the fallen with flowers on May 30 of that year. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. For us, that's a reminder of when we come home we still have a responsibility to serve. "Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.". 35 Quotes for Black History Month. Im not worried about that. 1. By Blake Bakkila and Selena Barrientos. Starting at 9 a.m., about 3,000 black schoolchildren paraded around the race track holding roses and singing the Union song John Browns Body, and were followed by adults representing aid societies for freed black men and women. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.". When thinking about Black History Month and participating in Black History Month activities, its important to remember that one of the keys to not repeating the mistakes of the past is to fully acknowledge the experiences, contributions and existence of a shared legacy and foundation that has not always been inspirational. Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering. Thats my cultural historical background, my genetic makeup, but its not all of who I am, nor is it the basis from which I answer every question. Denzel Washington, actor, director and producer, 29. "Heroes never die. You are where you are today because you stand on somebodys shoulders. Im not quite sure what freedom is, but I know damn well what it aint. BHM is a time to commemorate African American trailblazers and their remarkable legacies; a time to celebrate amazing people that truly believed in freedom, humanity, and who did everything in their power to make a positive change. Memorial Day's meaning is truly about those heroic women and men, and the remarkable sacrifices they made. It is still not easy to prove oneself as a woman, but in the past, most black women couldnt even dare to dream about success. On the occasion of Memorial day 2022, let's pay veneration to the profound fallen soldiers and pray to God to give strength to their families. In memory of many, in honor of all, thank you. You can also use them in your Instagram stories. History Of Black Day. "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. Mahatma Gandhi. The battles that count arent the ones for gold medals. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. "While the nature of war has changed.the values that drive our brave men and women in uniform remain constant: honor, courage, selflessness.". But get used to me. In honor of Black History Month, weve rounded up a list of inspirational quotes from civil rights icons and abolitionists including Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman. 6. I never really had to put much thought into my race, and neither did anybody else. "Hate is too great a burden to bear. Some say the first Memorial Day took place on May 1, 1865, when a large group of recently freed African Americans held a parade in Charleston, South Carolina, to honor fallen Union soldiers . Robert A. Heinlein. 9. Im Black, and Im proud! James Brown, singer, songwriter and record producer, considered the Godfather of Soul and the originator of funk music. The idea behind his statement was that black people dont need a separate history celebration since all of it is part of American History. Then when you know better, do better. Be unwavering and relentless in your approach. If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go. Apart from being a passionate content creator for HR services and employee engagement, Gautam is a theatre enthusiast, an avid reader and an aspiring poet. It takes a lot of courage, strength, and audacity to serve the country day in and day out without caring about your own life. Happy Memorial Day to past, present and fallen soldiers. The one thing I feel is lacking in Hollywood today is an understanding of the beauty, the power, the sexuality, the uniqueness, the humor of being a regular Black woman. And I won't forget the men who died, who . I knew I was Black. Black History Month (also known as African-American History Month), is an annual celebration that began as a way of remembering important figures and events in the history of African diaspora. Your children could be taken from you and literally sold down the river. Kerry Washington, actress, producer and director, 31. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America. John Lewis, 72. Short Memorial Quotes. Things like racism are institutionalized. The patriot's blood is the seed of freedom's tree. Honoring Memorial Day. History has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own. Michelle Obama, first Black first lady of the United States, 4. I dont do White music. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the United States. The breakdown of the Black community, in order to maintain slavery, began with the breakdown of the Black family. We had no alternative but to sell to ourselves. Dapper Dan, fashion designer and haberdasher, 84. - Charles de Gaulle. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.". I rise. Maya Angelou, world-renowned poet laureate, author, actress, playwright and civil rights activist whose career spanned half a century; Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2010, 9. End of list. See more ideas about christian graphics, memorial day, sharefaith. But I am still first and foremost in search of freedom. Harry Belafonte, Im very proud to be Black, but Black is not all I am. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind. Quotes, 60 Confidence Quotes to Help You Understand Your Self-Worth, Chris Evans Inspiring Quotes on Happiness, Success, and Being Laser Focused on Love, Paralympic Medalist Blake Leeper Praises 2-Year-Old Boy for Learning to Walk With a Prosthetic Leg, 15-Year-Old Adopted Boy Takes Up Crocheting as a Hobby Ends Up Changing Thousands of Lives, Homeless Man With Photographic Memory Gets a Cup of Coffee at McDonalds Unexpectedly Ends Up With $100,000, 7-Year-Old Takes Little Brother to His Class One Day, Hes Curious to See What Happens Behind Closed Doors. Be demanding. Colin Powell, first Black U.S. Secretary of State, 46. Du Bois, Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. Booker T. Washington, Racism separates, but it never liberates. Naps! Read the best patriotic messages, sayings and quotes about Memorial Day 2022. The coronavirus pandemic changed the way American Legion posts commemorated Memorial Day in 2020. Coretta Scott King. Its our basic human right. - Martin Luther King Jr. We as Black people have to tell our own stories. Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. Most recently, I was African American. Family members of fallen soldiers prepare to decorate graves in May of 1899. We get our noses blown off. Erykah Badu, musician, actress and producer, 36. I just am. Because youll find that when youre free . If so, then you're in the right place. 4 Calvin Coolidge. According to Blights 2001 book Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory, a commemoration organized by freed slaves and some white missionaries took place on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, S.C., at a former planters racetrack where Confederates held captured Union soldiers during the last year of the war. May 22, 2015 - Explore Lynda Thomas's board "Memorial Day", followed by 400 people on Pinterest. We should, therefore, protest openly everything that smacks of discrimination or slander. A people without the knowledge of their past history is like a tree without roots. Marcus Garvey, publisher, journalist and political activist in the early 20th century who launched the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, 15. "In war, using their native language, they . Check out our top inspirational Black History Month quotes about dreams, growth and strength: Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly. Never be limited by other peoples limited imaginations. Dont let anything stop you. "History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of . We have to document our history. $4.00. Be demanding.". Its our basic human right. Aretha Franklin, singer, songwriter and pianist, considered one of the greatest musicians of all time, 39. Besides, making history is extremely cool. Samuel Jackson, actor and producer, 32. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress. These Memorial Day Quotes Help Us Remember and Honor Those We've Lost. By Tara Reed Designs. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.". Anyone who claims to be a leader must speak like a leader. 80 Black History Month Quotes To Inspire You At Work, 7 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month At Work, 6 Interesting Ways To Celebrate National Good Samaritan Day At Work, Remembrance, Reflection, And Celebration: How To Celebrate Juneteenth At Work In 2023, How to Build Employee Connection and 12 Ways to Build One. "The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.". Let us remember all our heroes who have left us while saving our lives and our country. The battles that count arent the ones for gold medals. Celia Fernandez Lifestyle Writer As the Lifestyle Writer at OprahMag.com, I cover beauty, style, relationships & love, work & money, health, and food. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.. To celebrate Black history is to celebrate American history, which is why Black History Month shouldnt be a single month. That's my cultural historical background, my genetic makeup, but it's not all of who I am nor is it the basis . When asked after several weeks of walking whether she was tired, she answered: My feet is tired, but my soul is at rest. "We don't know them all, but we owe them all.". "I had no idea that history was being made. I am the part you wont recognize. Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. James Baldwin, 54. Racism separates, but it never liberates. Let us be dissatisfied until that day when nobody will shout White power!, when nobody will shout Black power!, but everybody will talk about Gods power and human power. Martin Luther King Jr. 68. There is nothing more inspiring than hoping for a better life and striving for success regardless of circumstances. Inspirational Black History Month quotes to celebrate change and humanity. 51. If we cant look at the good, bad and ugly of who we are, we are never going to progress as people ever. I dont do Black music. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. We must be anti-racist. Civil war photographs, 1861-1865, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Show source. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.". All Sizes # Memorial Day. The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them. And youve got to pick the side that youre going to be on. Pharrell Williams, We had a Black Wall Street because we weren't allowed on [the other] Wall Street We had no alternative but to sell to ourselves. Dapper Dan, Fashion can be used as a cultural translator and a tool against colonization; it re-establishes the balance between symbols, stories, and different worlds through style. Stella Jean, Things like racism are institutionalized. It brings us together again and again.". Its an opinion. I soon became a Negro. "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in . As Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet laureate ever to speak at a presidential inauguration, so eloquently stated, For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us. 2022 Alle rechten voorbehouden. I realized that beauty was not a thing that I could acquire or consume, it was something I just had to be. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital Good Housekeeping. Add to account Confirm. History, especially in certain places, is not a dead thing. Be demanding. Colin Powell, The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression. W.E.B. 1. Memorial Quotes. It is a wonderful, almost holy experience. Kasi Lemmons, director, actress and filmmaker, 82. Are you looking for the most inspiring Black History Month quotes? Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. 1. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nations greatness. What the people want is simple. Somebody once said we never know what is enough until we know whats more than enough. Black history is American history. Morgan Freeman, actor, director and producer, RD.com, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, 33. 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