12 Inspirational Quotes from Black Lawyers Who Made History

Introduction

This guide collects 12 inspirational quotes from black lawyers and other trailblazers who left their mark on the legal field. Their words reflect the wisdom and determination behind that work, and they still motivate law students and aspiring lawyers today.

12 Inspirational Quotes

1. "In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute." - Thurgood Marshall

2. "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hard work, a bit of luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice, and a lot of patience." - Paulette Brown

3. "You can be underestimated and still be successful." - Loretta Lynch

4. "The power of an hour is sometimes worth more than working 24 hours straight." - Michelle Obama

5. "The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up." - Serena Williams

6. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman

7. "If you're not making some notable mistakes along the way, you're certainly not taking enough business and career chances." - Johnnie Cochran

8. "Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." - Langston Hughes

9. "We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves." - Shirley Chisholm

10. "I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed. Sojourner Truth was a bridge. Harriet Tubman was a bridge. Ida B. Wells was a bridge. Madame C.J. Walker was a bridge." - Oprah Winfrey

11. "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou

12. "Excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism." - Verna Williams

Conclusion

These words capture the resilience and conviction it took for black lawyers to break into a field that long resisted them. Whether you practice law or simply follow it, they are a reminder of what persistence against injustice can achieve.

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