On Character | Booker T. Washington, Hampton University 1875

Character is power. Booker T. Washington, Educator, Orator, Author, College President Continue reading →

On Humanity | Thurgood Marshall, Lincoln University ’30

In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute. Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993). Lawyer, Civil Rights Activist, Associate Justice of US Supreme Court Continue reading →

On Life | Nikki Giovanni, Fisk University ’67

I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don’t mind the failure but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try. Nikki Giovanni, Poet, Activist, Educator Continue reading →

Creation | James Weldon Johnson, Atlanta University 1894

And God stepped out on space, And he looked around and said: I’m lonely– I’ll make me a world. And far as the eye of God could see Darkness covered everything, Blacker than a hundred midnights Down in a cypress swamp. Then God smiled, And the light broke, And the darkness rolled up on one … Continue reading →

A Liberating Black People’s Prayer for Justice & Peace | Frances Cress Welsing, Howard University College of Medicine ’62

  Thou who are Blacker                                                                                                     … Continue reading →

On Discrimination | Zora Neale Hurston, Howard University

Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me. Zora Neale Hurston, Author, Folklorist, Anthropologist Continue reading →

Dream Variations | Langston Hughes, Lincoln University ’29

To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening Beneath a tall tree While night comes on gently, Dark like me- That is my dream! To fling my arms wide In the face of the sun, Dance! … Continue reading →

On Blackness | Langston Hughes, Lincoln University ’29

I am a Negro: Black as the night is black, Black like the depths of my Africa. Langston Hughes, 1902-1967, Lincoln University ’29, Poet, Social Activist, Novelist Continue reading →

On Leadership | C.T. Vivian, American Baptist College

Leadership is found in the action to defeat that which would defeat you. You are made by the struggles you choose. Reverend C.T. Vivian, Minister, Author, Civil Rights Activist, Organizer Continue reading →

On Responsibility | Amiri Baraka, Howard University ’54

We have the responsibility to carry the fire. Whether it’s in our stomachs or on the ends of our torches. Amiri Baraka (1934-2014), Poet, Playwright, Scholar Continue reading →