My Favorite Quotes for Black History Month and Beyond

Key Takeaways:

• Black History Month is important to recognize, but Black history shouldn’t be limited to a single month.
• To make sure that Black history isn’t forgotten, our society needs to make conscious efforts to educate ourselves.
• A good way to learn more about Black history is to hear from historical Black leaders.

While I am thankful that there is a dedicated month set aside to celebrate and recognize Black history, the contributions and accomplishments of the Black community should not be reduced to a mere 28 days. I believe that Black history deserves to be celebrated, honored and taught every day of the year. A good place to start is by reading and thinking about the wise words of Black leaders and icons from the past and present.

Below are some of my favorite quotes about Black history, the struggles our community has faced and the triumphs we have claimed, along with my thoughts on why I find them compelling.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ?

“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other." — “Advice for Living,” May 1958

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of U.S. history's most iconic and impactful civil rights activists. Like many people, I consider Dr. King to be one of my heroes. My connection to this civil rights leader dates back to the March on Washington in 1963, where he gave his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech. Even though I was just six months old, my mother brought me along to experience Black history. While I don’t remember that day, my parents incorporated the lessons and words they learned from Dr. King into my upbringing.

I consider myself lucky to remain connected to Dr. King through my work with the Fund II Foundation , which worked with the National Park Foundation to purchase the birth and life homes of Dr. King to preserve these landmarks for future generations. Today, Dr. King’s teachings are still pertinent as we have a lot of work to do as a society to mitigate systemic racism and achieve equal rights for all.

Jackie Robinson

"I am firmly on record as believing that every citizen — of every race and creed — deserves to enjoy equal civil rights and liberties, for there can be no such citizen in a democracy as a half-free citizen." — Letter to President Eisenhower, June 4, 1958

Not only did Jackie Robinson break racial barriers in Major League Baseball (MLB) by becoming the first Black American to play for a major league team, but he was also an influential civil rights activist. Robinson was passionate about the game of baseball and used his platform to highlight civil rights issues. His work inspires my approach to leadership in both business and philanthropy.

Robinson’s legacy lives on through the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) and its mission to address the racial education gap. He is one of the reasons why I support STEM and financial education, as well as other areas where Black Americans have historically been held back from realizing their full potential. I was truly honored when the JRF recognized my efforts with the ROBIE Achievement in Industry Award in 2016.

Mellody Hobson

“You have to decide how you’re going to show up in life … I’ve used some of my differences as a way to stand out and to hopefully count and matter — and hopefully create an opportunity for others.” — CNBC interview, December 2019

Mellody Hobson is an investor and businesswoman who was born into humble beginnings. At an early age, she made it her mission to help others learn how to manage their money. Currently, Hobson is the Co-CEO of Ariel Investments and she advises on several boards of large organizations.

I regard Hobson as a prominent leader in the Black American community due to her business prowess and fierce advocacy for financial literacy and education. Her commitment to equity in finance and education aligns with my philanthropic values, and quotes like the one above encourage me to continue pushing forward, particularly in the face of uncertainty and doubt.

Reginald Lewis

"Keep going. To build a better society in America. To be a compassionate America...keep going, no matter what." — Speech at the University of New Mexico Law School, 1990

Reginald F. Lewis was an American businessperson and the first Black American to create a billion-dollar company, TLC Beatrice International Holdings Inc., despite a lack of generational wealth and professional connections. Lewis created an empire, which is a hard thing to do today, let alone in the 1980s.

Lewis’s leadership and trailblazing achievements helped raise the standard for what people of color can achieve in business, entrepreneurship and economic impact. Lewis continues to serve as an inspiration for me, and his words are a reminder for me to work diligently and to maximize every opportunity that comes my way.

Final Thoughts

I love the intention of Black History Month, but we need to challenge educational institutions and community organizations to teach and share stories about Black history throughout the year. A more holistic understanding of American history and the impact of Black people on the development of the U.S. benefits us all. ?

If you have not done so already, read why I think Black History Month is important , and follow me on LinkedIn for more reflections throughout February — and beyond.

#BlackHistoryMonth