Octavia Butler “In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn.” Groundbreaking science fiction writer who reimagined power, race, and humanity. Butler reminds us that transformation often comes through fire, struggle, and rebirth.
Langston Hughes “I too, am America.” Harlem Renaissance poet whose verses uplifted the Black experience with beauty and resilience. Hughes’ words declare Black belonging at the center of the American story.
Rosa Parks “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” Seamstress and activist who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott with her quiet refusal. Parks’ quote speaks to moral courage: doing right even when fear is present. Wear the history: Rosa Parks — from the Black Knowledge Wear collection.
David Walker “America is more our country than it is the whites’—we have enriched it with our blood and tears.” Author of Walker’s Appeal, one of the most radical antislavery documents in U.S. history. Walker’s words confront America with the truth that Black labor, blood, and sacrifice built this country.
Anna Julia Cooper “Only the BLACK WOMAN can say, ‘When and where I enter… the whole race enters with me.’” Educator and early Black feminist who advocated for higher education and racial equity. Cooper places Black women at the center of racial progress and collective uplift.
Charlotte Forten Grimké “The cloud may be dark now, but behind it shines the eternal light of justice and truth.” Abolitionist, educator, and member of the famed Forten family; taught freedmen in the South during the Civil War. Forten Grimké’s life reminds us that education, writing, and witness can serve justice.
Henry Highland Garnet “Let your motto be resistance! Resistance! Resistance!” Minister and abolitionist who boldly called for uprising against slavery. Garnet’s quote is a bold call to resist oppression and demand freedom.
Phillis Wheatley “In every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call love of freedom.” Enslaved woman and first published African American poet in the U.S. (1773). Wheatley’s words declare freedom as a human instinct planted in every person.
John Henrik Clarke “History is not everything, but it is a starting point.” Pan-African historian and educator who pushed for inclusion of African heritage in world history. Clarke reminds us that history is the starting point for knowing who we are.
Benjamin “Pap” Singleton “We are organizing a colony… that our children may rise in the scale of manhood and respect.” Former enslaved man turned leader of the Exodusters who led Black migration west post-slavery. Singleton’s words speak to land, migration, and building a future for the next generation.