Six Powerful Quotes by Six Powerful Women

Women’s voices deserve to be heard, and throughout history, powerful women have shown that we refuse to be silenced. So for this month, in honor of Women’s History Month, we are sharing six powerful quotes by six powerful women who did not allow the world to suppress them.

“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

Audre Lorde was an African American prose writer and poet known for using her talent to fight for social justice. In her work, she confronted issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Her book, Sister Outsider, contains a collection of essays and speeches regarding social issues she was passionate about.

“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.” Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston was a beloved author and anthropologist whose narratives portrayed the African American experience in the South. One of her most famous works was the novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, which depicts the life of Janie Crawford and her journey to discovering her identity. During her life, Zora did not receive the recognition she deserved, so, we must appreciate the art she created and the contributions she made.

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a legendary poet, author, and activist. Her most famous work is her first autobiography, titled, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She is also the author of the famous poem, And Still I Rise. Throughout her life, Angelou has been honored with multiple awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. She has also been a Grammy Award recipient for her spoken-word albums.

“Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.” – Coretta Scott King

Coretta Scott King was an activist and the wife of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. She worked with her husband to create change for her people. King had a bachelor’s in music and used her degree to assist in her advocacy for justice and peace. She also traveled the South and held concerts that were a combination of poetry, music, and storytelling to depict the Civil Rights Movement.

“You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once, but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is the first Black First Lady of the United States. During and after her time as the First Lady, she has been a role model for women and girls around the world. She has also written multiple books including her critically acclaimed work, Becoming. This book portrays her life experiences, beginning with her roots, and details her time in the White House.

“My mother did not raise me to ask for permission to lead.” – Ayanna Pressley

Ayanna Pressley is a U.S. Congresswoman and activist. She was the first Black woman to be elected to Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Congresswoman Pressley has worked hard to fight for justice, including for women’s reproductive rights and for immigrants.

These six women are only a few of the plethora of empowered women whose contributions to the world are legendary, and what they have spoken is unforgettable. So, they deserve to be celebrated.