Close Ad

Everyday Heroes

People smiling in unison united
Everyday Heroes

30 Powerful Racism Quotes to Combat Prejudice and Injustice

Racism is considered the marginalization and/or oppression of people of color based on a socially constructed racial hierarchy that privileges another race. The term is applied in many areas of a society that perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race or strengthen racial inequalities in education, health care, income, and civil rights.Ever since the 20th century, the concept of biological race is considered a cultural invention that has no scientific basis. The progress over the past half-century has been impressive, but the nation still has a long way to go to reach true racial equality.The following racism quotes contain inspiring perspectives to help you reflect and do whatever you can to make the world a better place for you and generations yet to come. Showing that you care about other people’s well-being, that you are an ally in promoting inclusion and equity, are some great actions you can take to help overcome the consequences of racism.It all starts withawareness. Just because racism doesn’t happen among the people you know, itdoesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Passive racism is probably the most insidiousfactor that contributes to the ongoing problem.Here are 30 quotes on racismquotes to help fight prejudice and injustice:There is no such thing as race. None. There is just a human race -- scientifically, anthropologically. TONI MORRISON (more Toni Morrison quotes)Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.JAMES BALDWINPeople who insist on dividing the world into 'Us' and 'Them' never contemplate that they may be someone else's 'Them.' RAY A. DAVISHating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong. MUHAMMAD ALIIf you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you recognize that your liberation and mine are bound up together, we can walk together. LILA WATSON In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist. ANGELA DAVIS (more Angela Davis quotes)None of us is responsible for the complexion of his skin. This fact of nature offers no clue to the character or quality of the person underneath. MARIAN ANDERSON Accomplishments have no color. LEONTYNE PRICEIf you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.DESMOND TUTUAs long as there is racial privilege, racism will never end.WAYNE GERARD TROTMANEvery 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 (more Harriet Tubman quotes)It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. AUDRE LORDEI refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final wordMARTIN LUTHER KINGThe very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.TONI MORRISON It belongs to the very substance of nonviolence never to destroy or damage another person's feeling of self worth, even an opponent's. BERNARD HARING Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected. KOFI ANNAN One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings. FRANKLIN THOMAS Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible. MAYA ANGELOUThose who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves. ABRAHAM LINCOLN (more Abraham Lincoln quotes)Racism is man’s gravest threat to man -- the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason. ABRAHAM HESCHEL Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. MARK TWAIN When will our conscience grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it? ELEANOR ROOSEVELT We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same. ANNE FRANK I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (more Martin Luther King Jr. quotes)Whoever debases others is debasing himself. JAMES BALDWINNo matter how big a nation is, it is no stronger than its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise. MARIAN ANDERSON Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can't just be on people of color to deal with it. It's up to all of us -- Black, white, everyone -- no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. MICHELLE OBAMA No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. NELSON MANDELA (more Nelson Mandela quotes)The beauty of anti-racism is that you don't have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it's the only way forward. IJEOMA OLUO The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed. STEPHEN BIKO

Man sitting in a wheelchair and a man crying, with text overlay "Dead serious man..."
Uplifting News

Desperate Man Needs to Pay Rent - Decides to Give His Money to a Stranger Instead

When an influencer approached a man on the street asking for money one day, he thought he would help him out with a generous gift. What he didn’t count on was an uplifting message to the rest of the world.

Elderly woman selling baking goods outside and an elderly woman with glasses.
Uplifting News

Grandma Forced to Sell Homemade Goods To Get By - Then, a Stranger Walks Up to Her

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday without fail, Inez Hudson can be found stationed outside Super Choice Foods supermarket in Lakeland, Florida.The 73-year-old woman sells homemade pies and cakes to support herself as her fixed income isn't enough to cover her living expenses.She has her good days and bad days. That is, until now. Because thanks to the kindness of a stranger and the power of social media she just became a viral sensation. And now? Her baked goods are selling like hotcakes.

Man standing with two daughters, a black purse and a handwritten note (inset)
Uplifting News

Grieving Daughter Goes Thrift Store Shopping - Finds an Unexpected Note In a Purse

Thrifting can net all sorts of treasures. Shoppers can snatch up everything from vintage clothes to mid-century modern furniture to kitschy knick-knacks, all without breaking the bank. But for one grieving woman, she found a hidden gem that was truly priceless.

Woman with three kids and a woman with her three adult children.
Uplifting News

40-Year-Old Mom Spent Three Years In Prison - Now She's an Intern at Princeton

Life can take us down unexpected and scary roads. Sometimes, we don’t know how to get off those roads and begin the climb to a better future. As this mom proved, however, anything is possible with a second chance and a little determination.

Pangeant queen wearing a blue, sparkly gown, speaking into a mic and a young woman sitting on the ground.
Uplifting News

Pageant Queen Spies Her Abusive Ex In the Audience - Publicly Calls Him Out

25-year-old Alexis Smith was officially crowned Miss Kansas earlier this month. She beat out 25 contestants to become the third Black woman to ever win the title. And while these accomplishments are to be admired, it's her empowering message to her abusive ex who had the gall to sit in the audience that makes her the real winner.

Woman having a panic attack and two strangers holding hands on a flight.
Uplifting News

Woman Experiences Full-Blown Panic Attack - A Stranger Takes Matters Into His Own Hands

Flying is a great way to travel. It's quick, you get to sit back and relax while someone else does all the driving, and you get to travel to places you may otherwise never see. Yet, for many of us, flying comes with some unwanted baggage: also known as crippling anxiety and all-out terror. After all, hurtling through the air at 38,000 feet in a metal tube can be daunting (to say the least). For one young woman, a recent flight had her anxiety soaring to new heights...and then a kind stranger stepped in. *Featured image contains photo by Hanson Lu on Unsplash

Man wearing a white hoodie and a man sitting with a service dog outside.
Stories

Employee Refuses to Let Blind Man Enter Restaurant - For this Reason

Navigating life with a disability is challenging enough without encountering discrimination. Yet, this is precisely what happened to a legally blind man and his service dog in Seattle, as they faced disbelief and hostility in a restaurant.

Man working in a deli and a young boy.
Uplifting News

Kids Frequently Visit Neighborhood Deli Owner - For This Sweet Reason

In a world where heartwarming moments often get overshadowed by high stakes politics and celebrity drama, one humble deli owner’s simple yet profound gesture has captured the hearts of millions. A video shared by Good Morning America recently went viral on TikTok, showcasing a touching interaction between a deli owner and a young boy from the neighborhood who achieved a surprising milestone.

Woman holding a sign next to a little boy and a little boy in a hospital.
Uplifting News

Preschool Teacher Shows Up at Former Student's Door - With a Very Important Question

In a heartwarming moment, 5-year-old Ezra from Alden, New York, was surprised at home by his former preschool teacher, Carissa Fisher. Fisher, accompanied by her mother, arrived with a colorful poster and a stuffed teddy bear to deliver life-changing news. The emotional scene, captured on video, revealed Fisher's plan to donate part of her liver to Ezra.