Dipped in Chocolate, Bronzed in Elegance, Enameled with Grace, Toasted with Beauty. My Lord she is a Black Woman – Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan

It is easy to be independent when you have got money. But to be independent when you haven’t got a thing – that’s the Lord’s test – Mahalia Jackson

I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go – Langston Hughes

I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves – Harriet Tubman

The black skin is not a badge of shame but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness – Marcus Garvey

Use the pain as fuel as a reminder of your strength – August Wilson

You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right – Rosa Parks

I find, in being black, a thing of beauty: a joy; strength; a secret cup of gladness. -Ossie Davis

I was raised to believe that excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism. And that’s how I operate my life – Oprah Winfrey

No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful – Eleanor Roosevelt

I work in three shades of black – Rai Kawakubo

Those who do not move, do not notice their chains – Rosa Luxemburg

Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality – Malala Yousafzai

Be humble in your confidence, yet courageous in your character – Melanie Koulouris

Stay true to yourself, and never let what somebody says distract you from your goals – Michelle Obama

I am dripping melanin and honey. I am black without apology – Upile

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much – Helen Keller

Success is having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be – George Sheehan

I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery – Thomas Jefferson, 1787

How often do you appreciate yourself as an African?

If you do not respect the colour of your skin, no one will.

Photo credit: The Blackscribbler.

Models: ACS Bradford. (African Caribbean Society)

STAY SHINING..