As we celebrate Black History Month, we are honored to share with you this collection of inspiring black history quotes from notable Black Americans throughout history, and from the present day.
As a bonus, you can print these quotes in PDF form to color and display for inspiration and motivation. These are great for your desk area, to use in your journaling, or as a mindfulness tool.
In the midst of Black History Month, here’s a collection of inspirational quotes to fuel your soul this February and beyond.

If you’re looking for a good motivational quote, then you’ve come to the right place.
We love inspirational quotes here at On Your Journey. I’m a firm believer that they can help you move through the day, help you overcome obstacles, and give you a renewed sense of determination and motivation.
When we take time to reflect on the words of wise people who gone been before us, there are always lessons to be learned.

27 Quotes For Black History Month That Will Inspire You To Be The Change
“You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served” – Nina Simone

“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am” – Nina Simone

“I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside of me, my desire to win is always stronger” – Serena Williams

“If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow” – Beyonce Knowles

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair” – Shirley Chisholm

“If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win” – Carl Lewis

“Stretch your mind and fly” – Whitney M. Young Jr.

“Be as you are, and hope that it’s right.” – Dizzy Gillespie

“You are your best thing” – Toni Morrison

“Hold on to your dreams of a better life and stay committed to striving to realise it.” – Earl G. Graves Sr.

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali

“Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do.” – Ella Fitzgerald

“Freedom is never given, it is won.” – A. Philip Randolph

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

“Have a vision, be demanding.” – Colin Powell

“If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.” – Marcus Garvey

“Hold fast to dreams, for is dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes

“I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up.” – Rosa Parks

“The soul that is within me no man can degrade.” – Frederick Douglass

“I knew then and I know now when it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it.”

“Character is Power” – Booker T. Washington

“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Each person must live their live as a model for others.” – Rosa Parks

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Dr Mae Jemison

“In recognising the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” – Thurgood Marshall

“Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.” – Susan L. Taylor

Download PDF Pack
Download a PDF pack with all 28 quotes included as free printable coloring pages. These are great for all ages. If you have kids, print some out and color these together, or take a few minutes alone to unwind and color to express your creativity.
The edges of these printable quote pages are blank, so you can add your own doodles, drawing, zentangle, or whatever you would like to add to the page. The minimalist look also works great!
Check out our Black History Coloring Pages for Kids, over on our sister site In The Playroom, to share with the children in your life.
More Inspirational Quotes
You might also like these inspirational quotes we have here on On Your Journey, organised by theme
Motivational Fighter Quotes to See You Through Hard Times
The Best Self Love Quotes and Captions for Your Instagram
Adult Coloring Pages with Inspirational Quotes about Change
Powerful names for your Female Empowerment Organisation
Positive Affirmations Printables

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Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.
These are some really great quotes. Thank you for sharing these inspirational quotes.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl