Sometimes the runt pig beats the whole litter growing.

—African-American Proverb

We shouldn’t depend on the outside world for our happiness; we should have our private world where we go for some peace. So we must be careful about how we build our private worlds.

—J. California Cooper

I did not realize it then, but the phrase, “We are very proud of you,” always with the emphasis on very, boosted me immeasurably through the years.

—Jonah Martin Edelman

It often requires more courage to read some books than it does to fight a battle.

—Sutton E. Griggs

Affirmative action begins at home.

—Detroit Barber

Our children may learn about heroes of the past. Our task is to make ourselves architects of the future.

—Jomo Kenyatta

Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge. They are chaotic, sometimes painful, sometimes contradictory, but they come from deep within us. And we must key into those feelings…. This is how new visions begin.

—Audre Lorde

It is impossible to raise and educate a race in the mass. All revolutions and improvements must start with individuals.

—John W. E. Bowen