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. Use these designs for your upcoming Memorial Day service. Racism is mans gravest threat to man the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason. If the only time you think of me as a scientist is during Black History Month, then I must not be doing my job as a scientist. They want an America as good as its promise. Barbara Jordan, U.S. congresswoman, lawyer, educator and leader during the Civil Rights Movement, 45. 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. This article is written by Gautam Gayan. The majority of the Negroes who took part in the year-long boycott of Montgomerys buses were poor and untutored; but they understood the essence of the Montgomery movement; one elderly woman summed it up for the rest. Here are 15 quotesvia Brainy Quote, Country Living and Good Housekeepingto celebrate Memorial Day. The work of honoring the dead began right away all over the country, and several American towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. Richard Puz, The Carolinian. Dont settle for average. Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public. Cornel West, philosopher, political activist and social critic, 24. Here are some powerful Black History Month quotes that will move you: I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. Do the best you can until you know better. History, especially in certain places, is not a dead thing. Asking people to prove racism is another tool the oppressor uses to marginalize and discredit us. Im not concerned with your liking or disliking me all I ask is that you respect me as a human being. "We don't know them all, but we owe them all.". 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. I dont want a Black History Month. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow. 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. We take our stand on the solidarity of humanity, the oneness of life, and the unnaturalness and injustice of all special favoritism, whether of sex, race, country or condition. Freedom is not something that one people can bestow on another as a gift. If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Frederick Douglass, American social reformer, abolitionist, statesman and a national leader in the abolitionist movement in the late 19th century, 64. We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. The New Black doesnt blame others for our issues. The raw, unfiltered, and untouched soul we have can not be touched. Solange Knowles, You never cede control of your own ability to be successful to something called racism. Condoleezza Rice, Every great dream begins with a dreamer. It goes on living and working when science has dealt it what should be its death blow. Paul Laurence Dunbar, American poet, novelist and leading literary figure during the Harlem Renaissance, 53. Vantage Circle. "In memory of many, in memory of all". "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations." Dr. If youre going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion youre wasting your life. 9. Their spirits are marching again. The Oscar-winning actor thinks that racism can end when we stop talking about it as long as were pointing out something, we are still stigmatizing, even if our intentions are good. If we want to get to the place where all lives matter, then we have to make sure that black lives matter too. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. The New Black dreams and realizes that its not a pigmentation; its a mentality. Black History Month (also known as African-American History Month), is an annual celebration that began as a way of remembering important figures . Butler, a slight 27-year-old, killed 10 Germans, took a German lieutenant prisoner, freed all the American prisoners and hustled them back to the safety of the American trenches. "Brave men are all vertebrates; they have their softness on the surface and their toughness in the middle.". Its not something I put on or take off or show more. And its the only way forward. I dont do White music. "Never forget, ever honor". Yet, reacting to every incident, real or imagined, is crippling, tiring and ultimately counterproductive. Condoleezza Rice, the first Black female Secretary of State and the first woman to serve as National Security Advisor, 20. "May we never forget that freedom isn't free.". I have standards I dont plan on lowering for anybody, including myself. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. We as Black people have to tell our own stories. But get used to me. - Charles de Gaulle. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. Heres a list of Black-owned businesses to support right now (and all year long). 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. All they need is an equal chance in the battle of life. Robert Smalls, What the people want is simple. Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better. I rise. I had no idea that history was being made. Never give up, never surrender and rise up against all odds." Jesse Jackson, American political . I never really had to put much thought into my race, and neither did anybody else. Everyone fails at something. You just communicate that in the way you live your life. Angela Bassett, actress, 26. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States to honor and mourn the U.S. military personnel who have died. You may not always be popular, but youll be part of something larger and bigger and greater than yourself. Dont try to lessen yourself for the world; let the world catch up to you. 77. Youve got to learn to leave the table when loves no longer being served. Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted. The only question remaining is how costly will be the funeral. Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. 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. There are so many Black History Month quotes, John Lewis quotes, Black History Month facts, Black History Month moviesand podcasts about race that share the immeasurable seeds that Black people have sown in American soil. 2022 Alle rechten voorbehouden. Check out the powerful quotes below, which will continue to inspire and move you. I just am. Part of what my music represents is to stand up and be the voice of those who feel like they are not heard and want to be treated with respect regardless of race, color, orientationandroid, cyborg, whatever. Janelle Monae, singer, rapper and actress, 38. Every year, American citizens make it a point to dedicate some time to recognize and appreciate black people's contributions to this country. American flags with the text REMEMBER & HONOR against a black background. The greatest movement for social justice our country has ever known is the Civil Rights Movement, and it was totally rooted in a love ethic. Bell Hooks, author, poet, feminist and social activist, 50. The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind. Long Waits, Short Appointments, Huge Bills. "While the nature of war has changed.the values that drive our brave men and women in uniform remain constant: honor, courage, selflessness.". 32 of 32. The time is always right to do what is right. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society. John Lewis, civil rights leader who led the Bloody Sunday march across the Edmund Pettis Bridge on March 7, 1965, served 17 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, 49. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us. Calvin Coolidge. 1. It is a historical truth. Wherever there is a human being, I see God-given rights inherent in that being, whatever may be the sex or complexion. On this day, the people of the nation remember to honor and mourn these fallen soldiers. Its hard work that creates change. Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops and once-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. - President Ronald Reagan, 1983, in a radio address to the nation. Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us. You might not know any bigots. Once you know who you are, you dont have to worry anymore. Nikki Giovanni, American poet, activist and educator, 56. But I am still first and foremost in search of freedom. Harry Belafonte, singer, songwriter, activist and actor, 28. It keeps you from doing your work. Be demanding. Colin Powell, The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression. W.E.B. "Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one.". "Ceremonies are important. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nations greatness. Just U.S. history. He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part. This February, celebrate Black History Month at work with a diverse and inclusive mind that believes in cultivating a workplace that knows no discrimination. Memorial Day isn't just about honoring veterans, its honoring those who lost their lives. Its a dare. And its either going to work for you, or its going to work against you. Your children could be taken from you and literally sold down the river. Kerry Washington, Take a stand for whats right. However, these ladies believed in themselves and made history along the way. America is a great nation, and the reality that we as a modern society are striving to learn, grow and continue to build on Americas foundation together is a feat in and of itself. That is America to menot just the movement for civil rights but the endless struggle to respond with decency, dignity, and a sense of brotherhood to all the challenges that face us as a nation, as a whole. John Lewis, If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Frederick Douglass, Sometimes, I am also identified as a civil rights leader or a human rights activist. The ceremony that took place in Arlington National Cemetery that day has been considered the first official Memorial Day celebration. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us. You have reached your limit of free articles. 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. $2.80 USD. I am not going to die; Im going home like a shooting star. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope. 1. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me. Muhammad Ali, political activist, entertainer and philanthropist known as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time; Ali used his influence during the Civil Rights Movement to instill racial pride, 8. Clubhouse at the race course where Union soldiers were held prisoner. With Memorial Day just around the corner, you've likely begun mapping out the long weekend's activities. You might not know any bigots. 2 Lee Greenwood. "In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.". You can think of yourself as a colorless person, but nobody else is gonna. Don Cheadle, actor and filmmaker, 30. [No one says] You know what? The patriot's blood is the seed of freedom's tree. Life, Idaho, Black History. Below are five memorable Memorial Day speeches in American history. Memorial day definition, a day set aside in the U.S. to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military: now officially observed on the last Monday in May. Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, 2019, when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in J&K's Pulwama district. Im happy. Raise a ruckus and make a change. "The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.". You just communicate that in the way you live your life. Angela Bassett, What Im really praying is that we, as a people, understand that we are interdependent upon each other. These were the 80 amazing Black History Month Quotes for you to support, recognize and appreciate every Black American with equal respect and dignity at work. Gilbert K. Chesterton, English writer. I knew I was Black. In the approximately 10 days leading up to the event, roughly two dozen African American Charlestonians reorganized the graves into rows and built a 10-foot-tall white fence around them. - Adlai Stevenson. Boost employee engagement with this FREE guide! 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. We need to talk about these things in order for them to change. Dave Chapelle, actor, comedian and showrunner. Celebrating this event at work is a step towards stronger diversity and inclusion in the workplace. If you are silent about your pain, theyll kill you and say that you enjoyed it. Zora Neale Hurston, author, anthropologist, folklorist and filmmaker in the early 1900s to 1960s. It merely astonishes me. "Hate is too great a burden to bear. That means speaking with integrity and truth. We are the change that we seek. Be unwavering and relentless in your approach. Diversity is not about how we differ. How Black Civil War Veterans Inspired The Very First Memorial Day. You can also use them in your Instagram stories. We are the change that we seek. Barack Obama, first Black president of the United States, 7. 1. I . Honoring Memorial Day. Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. Make a difference about something other than yourselves. Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. If they dont give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. Inspirational Black History Month quotes to celebrate change and humanity. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. It was . Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the American military. Thats not the sole requirement. 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