Quotes Archives - SHOPPE BLACK

Published on October 6, 2020

2 mins read

Remembering Fannie Lou Hamer Through Her Words and Wisdom

Fannie Lou Hamer (October 6, 1917- March 14, 1977) rose from humble beginnings in Mississippi to become one of the most important voices of the civil and voting rights movements.

She dedicated her life to the fight for civil rights, working for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). This organization was comprised mostly of African American students who engaged in acts of civil disobedience to fight racial segregation and injustice in the South.

She was also the co-founder and vice-chair of the Freedom Democratic Party, which she represented at the 1964 Democratic National Convention.

In honor of her work and her sacrifice, we’ve compiled some of her most powerful words.

Fannie Lou Hamer quotes

“Never to forget where we came from and always praise the bridges that carried us over.”

“You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap.”

Fannie Lou Hamer

“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”

“Never to forget where we came from and always praise the bridges that carried us over.”

“Hate won’t only destroy us. It will destroy these people that’s hating as well.”

Fannie Lou Hamer

“We have to build our own power. We have to win every single political office we can, where we have a majority of Black people…”

“Righteousness exalts a nation. Hate just makes people miserable.”

“When I liberate myself, I liberate others. If you don’t speak out ain’t nobody going to speak out for you.”

“There is one thing you have got to learn about our movement. Three people are better than no people.”

Fannie Lou Hamer

“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

-Tony O. Lawson

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Published on May 9, 2020May 10, 2020

2 mins read

8 Little Richard Quotes and Sayings

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Richard died Saturday. He was 87 years old. His death was announced on his official Facebook page, as well as by his son, Danny Jones Penniman, who confirmed the news first to Rolling Stone.

The wildly influential singer and pianist established rock ’n’ roll as a genre with just one rule — there are no rules. And his signature recordings, including “Long Tall Sally,” “Rip It Up,” “Lucille,” “Tutti Frutti,” and “Good Golly Miss Molly” remain embedded in the core DNA of rock ’n’ roll.

Here are some quotes to remember the legendary musician by:

Richard Quotes and Sayings

I never accepted the idea that I had to be guided by some pattern or blueprint.

Little Richard Quotes

And I’d like to give my love to everybody, and let them know that the grass may look greener on the other side, but believe me, it’s just as hard to cut.

Little Richard Quotes

I’m here to sing.

Little Richard Quotes

It was a way out of poverty. It was a way to success. It was a way to education. And it was a way to a brighter day for me.

Little Richard Quotes

I think my legacy should be that when I started in show business, there wasn’t no such thing as rock n’ roll. When I started with ‘Tutti Frutti,’ that’s when rock really started rocking.

Little Richard Quotes

If at first you don’t succeed, you get back up and you try … and you try … and you try it again … except ice skating, I hate this crap, I quit!

A lot of people call me the architect of rock & roll. I don’t call myself that, but I believe it’s true.

I am the innovator. I am the originator. I am the emancipator. I am the architect of rock ‘n’ roll!

–Tony O. Lawson

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Published on August 17, 2019October 13, 2023

2 mins read

10 Marcus Garvey Quotes That Can Change Your Life

Born on August 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr aka “Black Moses” was one of the most influential leaders that the global Black community has ever had.

In 1920, Garvey established the Negro Factories Corporation and offered stock for African Americans to buy. He raised one million dollars for the project.

It generated income and provided jobs by its numerous enterprises, including a chain of grocery stores and restaurants, steam laundry, tailor shop, dressmaking shop, millinery store (clothing, fashion, hats, accessories, etc.), publishing house, and a doll factory.

In honor of an icon of universal Black pride and excellence, we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite Marcus Garvey quotes.

Marcus Garvey Quotes

“If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves.”
“I trust that you will so live today as to realize that you are masters of your own destiny, masters of your fate; if there is anything you want in this world, it is for you to strike out with confidence and faith in self and reach for it.”
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.”
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
“Take advantage of every opportunity; where there is none, make it for yourself.”
“I have no desire to take all black people back to Africa; there are blacks who are no good here and will likewise be no good there.”
“If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.”
“Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men.”
“The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.”
“With confidence, you have won before you have started.”

-Tony O. Lawson

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Published on March 31, 2019April 8, 2019

4 mins read

12 Nipsey Hussle Quotes About Business and Success

Last night I clicked on an old video interview Nipsey Hussle did discussing his business ventures. That video led me to another and then another. I’ve always been impressed by his drive and focus.

Now, he’s gone. My way of paying tribute and my respects to someone who I was inspired by, is to provide some insight into the business acumen and intelligence of a man with so much potential, gone too soon.

Favorite Nipsey Hussle Quotes

“It sounds simple telling people to work hard and never quit, but to really execute and demonstrate those principles takes discipline and faith. Those are the two factors that I believe separate the good from the great; the successes from the failures.”

“Be truthful with yourself and other people, and try your best to make decisions outside of your ego.”

“You aren’t a true leader without the ability to be honest and take responsibility for your actions.”

“It isn’t cool to be in the club spending all of this money, or having cars and jewelry — but you don’t own any real estate? You don’t own a fourplex? If the answer is no, you’re not a real hustler.”

“At on point I wasn’t proud of my lifestyle..Now I wake up knowing that I’m doing what I’m here to do.”

“I’m more focused on giving solutions and inspiration more than anything.”

“When you start seeing the most successful people and the most respected people, the next step is figuring out how they became that…As far as respect goes, we have to stop respecting dumb shit. We have to return to old school principles.”

“We don’t want advances, we want equity. We don’t want one-off endorsements, we want ownership.”

“We’re creating an ecosystem, from production to consumption. Not only do we own the supply chain, but we can curate the experience. From the ownership of the actual master, to the retail experience and marketing the product, to consuming it. That’s the same model as Apple.”

“The vision is to launch franchises. There’s such a narrative to this parking lot—that’s a part of my story as an artist.”

“Have a plan. Have a step by step list of things to do to get to your goal. If you don’t have that, its hard to have faith in what you’re doing.”

“I’m focusing on the music, but I still got a cold library of books that I’ve either read or I plan on getting to.”

RIP NIPSEY HUSSLE

-Tony Oluwatoyin Lawson (IG@thebusyafrican)

Published on October 15, 2017March 11, 2019

2 mins read

10 Of Our Favorite Fela Kuti Quotes

Music legend and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti would have been 79 years also today. In honor of his life and his mission to use his music to liberate his people, we have compiled a few of our favorite Fela quotes. Happy Birthday Fela!

Fela Kuti at the Senator Hotel, London, UK on 11 November 1983

To be spiritual is not by praying and going to church. Spiritualism is the understanding of the universe so that it can be a better place to live in.

My people are scared of the air around them, they always have an excuse not to fight for freedom.

I don’t treat women as objects to be used. I just don’t agree to possess a woman.

The music of Africa is big sound: it’s the sound of a community.

To think how many Africans suffer in oblivion. That makes me sad… Despite my sadness, I create joyful rhythms… I am an artist… I want people to be happy and I can do it by playing happy music. And through happy music I tell them about the sadness of others… So really I am using my music as a weapon.