With devastating recent events shaking not just America but the whole world, the importance of speaking up for black rights and lives is more critical than ever. It is crazy to think that in 2020 we live in a society that tarnishes people for the color of their skin. While we have seen tremendous efforts across the globe in the form of protests, petitions, and donations, we want to continue to spread the word that black lives really do matter. Here are some powerful racial justice quotes that should be shared today, tomorrow, and the years to come.

“No 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

“We treat racism in this country like it’s a style that America went through. Like flared legs and lava lamps. Oh, that crazy thing we did. We were hanging black people. We treat it like a fad instead of a disease that eradicates millions of people. You’ve got to get it at a lab, and study it, and see its origins, and see what it’s immune to and what breaks it down.” – Chris Rock

“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin 

“I’ll tell you what freedom is to me. No. fear.” – Nina Samone

“Protest is not the end of progress, it is the beginning. I wonder what would happen if all the big companies and celebrities who have shown support on social media came out and used their platform to let activists and protesters speak and be seen? I wonder what would happen if we allowed the outrage to have a positive influence in our local government? What would happen if those in power defunded the police & dismantled their racist culture and corrupt power structures? Cities are burning, are you watching? I stand with Minneapolis. I believe in us. Change is gonna come.” – Lizzo