20 Inspirational Quotes to Start Black Students Strong in 2025

By Quintessa Williams This article was originally published on Word In Black. 2024 was a challenging year for Black students, teachers, and language. Some school districts banned books, others restricted how classrooms discussed Black history, and others tried to curb Black kids from using cultural slang. Outside of the classroom, many young Black people were and still are discouraged by the return of President-elect Donald Trump, —a candidate who openly used racist language in his defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket. It has all shown that words still matter.& & But the start of a new year brings a clean slate, a fresh opportunity to use words for inspiration and goal-setting. For Black students, messages of encouragement and wisdom — especially from educators and leaders who share their cultural heritage — can foster an empowering sense of identity and pride.& As we welcome 2025, here are some inspirational quotes that aim to uplift and start Black students off strong: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X, activist and educator. “When you control a man’s thinking, you...