Black Voices: Inspiring & Empowering Quotes from Global Thought Leaders

by Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor

Find wisdom, inspiration, and new insight in this definitive volume of empowering quotes from the Pan African world.

With over 60 quotations—carefully researched by National Black Cultural Information Trust founder, Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor— Black Voices is your go-to source for powerful words from both famous Black individuals in history and new and lesser-known voices . From this diverse spectrum of perspectives and experiences, gain a deeper understanding of Black culture and history.

Some of the inspirational quotes

“I’m not ashamed of anything I’ve ever done in the name of fairness and justice for my people.”
—Winnie Mandela, South African freedom fighter
 
“I’m very interested in, ‘What does it mean for us to cultivate together?’ Community that allows for risk, the risk of knowing someone outside your own boundaries, the risk that is love. There is no love that does not involve risk.”
—bell hooks, African American feminist scholar
 
“Our youth, our drive, our diversity and openness, our boundless capacity for risk and reinvention means that the future should be ours. But that potential will only be realized if our democracy works. Only if our politics better reflects the decency of our people.”
—Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States and the first Black American president

Spotlighting Black writers, artists, scholars, politicians, activists, and visionaries from all eras and backgrounds, each quote is accompanied by a short biography of its writer or speaker. This engaging and information-packed book touches on aspects and subjects relevant to Black lives, such
 
The book also features the lush, vibrant artwork of six Black artists from around the
 
Black Voices is a must-have reference to Pan African culture and history.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published January 2, 2024

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So powerful, l am so grateful for those who have cleared the path for so many to succeed

‘Any time while l was a slave, if one minutes’s freedom had been offered to me, and l had been told l must die at the end of that minute, l would have taken it - just to stand one minute on God’s earth a free woman - l would.’

Elizabeth Freeman, (Mumbet),African American activist

[Ghada ツ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkably empowering collage of mini-biographies featuring writings and sayings by some of the most influential Black pioneers from around the world. Exploring culture, education, politics, gender, blackness, pan-africanism and more, Black Voices celebrates the creativity, strength, and genius of the African people. My favourite aspect about this collection was its inclusion of voices from around the African continent as well as the African diaspora. The design and presentation were lovely and the artwork at each chapter's entry was outright gorgeous. All in all, a book that is not only uplifting and informative but also aesthetically pleasing. I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in African culture and history.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Haerlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description:
With over 60 quotations—carefully researched by National Black Cultural Information Trust founder, Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor—Black Voices is your go-to source for powerful words from both famous Black individuals in history and new and lesser-known voices. From this diverse spectrum of perspectives and experiences, gain a deeper understanding of Black culture and history.

Review:
This is a beautifully illustrated book with inspirational quotes. I could see it having several applications: in museums, classrooms, coffee tables, libraries, and more.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, soulful and artful representation of culture, history and the brilliance of leaders across the globe. It celebrates the stories and people we know in a vibrant way, and if you love art it's an extra treat because the book has some very stunning and through provoking pieces of art I've ever seen.
I also love that the author did share details and short bios of the artists so you can always look them up online and know more about their work.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Engrossed Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the quotes of the range of individuals included in Black Voices many unknown, others familiar. 60 quotes covering many topics from the obvious such as race, culture, blackness to education, inspiration, hope and perseverance.

I liked the short bios that accompanied each quote so I could see the individual in context. The bibliography at the end was a nice addition, saved me from making a note of the books that I now want to read.

I can't end this interim review without mentioning the art which was stunning, complimentary and distinct for each quote.

Black Voices works equally well as a coffee table book: decorative, a source of knowledge and inspiration, but also a serious introduction to notable and influential individual of African heritage.

My thanks to NetGalley and publishers for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good starting point

A collection of quotes from selected black icons. This is best read as a physical copy as it contains beautiful illustrations.

I love how the biography of each icon is showcased before their quote. Although short, this book packs a punch with the wealth of information in it.

It celebrates the resilience and the ongoing struggle of black people everywhere. From history to arts and culture to Pan-Africanism there is a quote.

I believe this book is a starting point for anyone interested in knowing more about our history and present struggle.

[Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of quotes from African American people that are strong and powerful. Some of the people quoted are known, some were not. The blurb that accompanied the quote about the author was a very welcome addition. I recommend this book as a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone interested in this type of subject matter. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my thoughts.

[Brontee (bookswithbibi) 🍉 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book, that I deeply enjoyed taking my time and savouring. I enjoyed reading all the quotes and was moved by many, but most of all I loved the accompanying art. I loved how the book showcased culture, intelligence, and history. I also loved learning about lesser-known Black figures and their influences in all areas.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Black History Month coming shortly, this is a book for children and adults that you absolutely need in your possession. Filled with quotes and information regarding black people from all over the diaspora and from a variety of fields. Some well known, and others not well known. There is a wealth of knowledge and information on each and every page. The pages are beautiful and well put together. You absolutely need this in your library, especially if you have black children in your life.

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.