African-American women have been instrumental in shaping history, culture, and society through their resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. From civil rights activists and political leaders to artists and educators, African-American women have left an indelible mark on the world with their wisdom, courage, and grace. Their voices, often marginalized and silenced, have echoed through time, inspiring generations to strive for justice, equality, and empowerment.
Throughout history, African-American women have faced intersecting forms of discrimination, yet they have continued to rise above adversity, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. Their stories are a testament to the power of resilience and the resilience of the human spirit. From Harriet Tubman’s fearless leadership on the Underground Railroad to Maya Angelou’s poetic exploration of identity and self-expression, African-American women have defied expectations, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for future generations. Their words resonate with authenticity, passion, and unwavering resolve, offering insight, inspiration, and hope to all who seek it.
I’m very optimistic about the future, because… Okay, with Audra McDonald, even just on Broadway, they cast her in shows that are usually not played by African-American women, so she’s very inspiring to me just because of that, you know what I mean? Shanice Williams
Many African-American men are incarcerated. And so African-American women do carry an enormous burden. And traditionally have carried a greater burden than perhaps their white counterparts. Faye Wattleton
Since Bush has been in office, African-American women have fallen behind in terms of income and wages. Donna Brazile
You know, women not making dollar for dollar the same as a man is not new. It’s been that way since day zero, since the founding of this country. And when you put African-American women and Hispanic women into the mix it’s even worse than that. Nina Turner
African-American women account for 67 percent of all newly diagnosed female AIDS cases. Elijah Cummings
I date African-American women. That’s all I date. In my family, it was never discussed – but I love black women. Nothing beats a sister. However, when you see a female like Jennifer Lopez, you have to acknowledge that there are many beautiful Latino women as well. Stephen A. Smith
Johnson Publishing has been built on filling a need for African-Americans. This is what’s happening with E Style. There was nothing that addressed the specific needs of African-American women. Linda Johnson Rice
The reason why I began making quilts is because I wrote my autobiography in 1980 and couldn’t get it published because I wanted to tell my story, and my story didn’t appear to be appropriate for African-American women. Faith Ringgold
It was important for me to join the White House because as I looked around Trump’s inner circle and campaign, there were not a lot of African-Americans, particularly African-American women, uniquely positioned to serve as a member of the senior staff, to serve as an assistant to the president. Omarosa Manigault Newman
I just want to make sure that I’m taking roles that are positive, real, honest reflections of African-Americans because I do think the media can put African-American women in the background. Then, unfortunately, what happens is, subconsciously, our culture begins to assess that as reality. Kat Graham
I am an African-American woman of dark skin tone, and there are very specific roles that are usually given to African-American women of a darker hue. Let’s start with ‘Once on This Island’: peasant girl. Let’s go to ‘The Color Purple’: young girl, beaten. Let’s go to ‘Ragtime’: Her baby’s taken. LaChanze
I think the ’90s is the reason why I recently had to find natural haircare products to allow my hair to grow. That was a time where they were processing your hair, and it was a time when African-American women wanted that straight hair. Drew Sidora
I think the bottom of the totem pole is African-American women, or women of colour. I think they get the least opportunities in Hollywood. Denzel Washington
A lot of people don’t realize that hair is a big thing for a lot of people, not just African-American women. It’s something to be aware of and to be cautious of. Zendaya
I think, though, as African-American women, we are always trained to value our community even at the expense of ourselves, and so we attempt to protect the African-American community. Anita Hill
There are so many women who contributed in a very real way in pushing for the space program during the time in which there was a lot of competition to get into space first, and to know that there were African-American women who were integral in that success is pretty phenomenal. Mahershala Ali
On average, African-American women are 4 times as likely to die from pregnancy related complications. Latina women are at 2 times greater risk. Christy Turlington
I do not make any apologies for my manner or personality. I come from a long line of very strong, black African-American women who neither bend nor bow. I haven’t had very good modeling in submission. Faye Wattleton