Inspirational Quotes by African Americans for All

African American quote on what makes a man: "Character, not circumstances, makes the man." This saying by Booker T. Washington is an inspirational thought. It's inspiring to know that a person is not limited by things they can't always control such as their circumstances.

African American quote on rage and intelligence: "Muffle your rage. Get smart instead of muscular." This inspirational quote by Roy Wilkins can be interpreted as emphasizing both the need and power in developing one's mind. It's similar to the "knowledge is power" philosophy of life.

African American quote on accomplishing your goals: "If you want to accomplish the goals of your life, you have to begin with the spirit." This Oprah Winfrey quote is inspirational partly just because it comes from Oprah, one of the most well-known accomplished African Americans of our time. Many of her shows, especially towards the end of her day-time talk show career, have been on developing one's spirit.

African American quote on success: "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." This inspiration quote about success is similar to Oprah's quote on accomplishing the goals of your life. The nice thing about this though by Herman Cain, though, is that the idea of success is as narrow as it often is in our society. If you love what you're doing, don't let anyone try to convince you that you aren't a successful person. And if you love what you're doing, that will probably fuel your desire to do a good job at whatever it is you're doing which can lead to external success as well as internal success.

African American quote on greatness: "Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but the opposition he or she has to overcome to reach his or her goals." This inspirational saying by Dorothy Height is another take on success.

African American quote on life: "People say I had a full life, but I ain't dead yet. I'm just getting started." These words by Muhammad Ali can be especially inspirational to older generations. As long as you're alive, you're never too old and it's never too late to accomplish or do the things you want in life.