Black Pearls Living

I glory in conflict, that I may hereafter exult in victory.

—Frederick Douglass

Even the smallest victory is never to be taken for granted. Each victory must be applauded, because it is so easy not to battle at all, to just accept and call that acceptance inevitable.

—Audre Lord

I love to walk on the Sabbath, for all is so peaceful, the noise and labor of everyday life has ceased; and in perfect silence we can commune with nature and with Nature’s God

—Charlotte L. Forten

To cheer up on those bad or frustrating days, I want to laugh, so I watch “I Love Lucy” tapes.

—Gail Devers

Let the Afro-American depend on no party, but on himself for his salvation. Let him to continue to education, to character, and above all, to put money in his purse. When he has money, and plenty of it, parties and races will become his servants.

—Ida B. Wells

Avoid noxious relationships, and seek those that are nurturing.

—John E. Copage

To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.

—Muhammad Ali

My parents always treated us like young adults, not kids, even when we were real little. They did that because they wanted us to be individuals, to learn how to take care of ourselves, to achieve things on our own.

—Carl Lewis

Yeah, life hurts like hell, but this is how I keep going. I have a sense of humor, I’ve got my brothers and sisters. I’ve got the ability to make something out of nothing. I can clap my hands and make magic.

—Bill T. Jones

Gray skies are just clouds passing over.

—Duke Ellington