Entertainment

10 Empowering Quotes From Black Actresses to Pin to Your Inspiration Board (PHOTOS)

EntertainmentPublished Jan 29, 2016
By Jenny Erikson
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There are some phenomenal women of color in Hollywood right now, which is one of the reasons we're upset about the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. Really, what the heck, Academy? Our culture and the movie industry has evolved so much that it's hard to believe this is happening in 2016.

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In honor of the gorgeous, talented black actresses working in the film industry, we've found some of their most inspirational quotes. These ladies have it right -- be yourself, be kind, see the beauty in everything, and never, ever, let anyone dull your sparkle -- especially not the Academy Awards.

*Images:

Taraji P. Henson*: Splash News*; Queen Latifah: AdMedia/Splash News; Jennifer Hudson: We Dem Boyz/Splash News*

Design by Anne Meadows

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Beyonce-placeholder
Beyonce
DFree/Shutterstock Design by Anne Meadows

Beyonce

There's no doubt that Queen Bey is one confident lady. That's because she knows who she is, and doesn't let others tell her what she's worth. Blue Ivy's mom said, "Your self-worth is determined by you. You don't have to depend on Someone telling you who you are."

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Gabourey Sidibe
Derek Storm/Splash News Design by Anne Meadows

Gabourey Sidibe

Gabourey Sidibe isn't afraid of being defined by stereotypes. She's beautiful and talented, and an inspiration to be fearless, even if you're "different" from what people expected. The American Horror Story alum shared, "I live my life because I dare. I dare to show up when everyone else might hide their faces and hide their bodies in shame."

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Gabrielle Union-placeholder
Gabrielle Union
Felipe Ramales/Splash News Design by Anne Meadows

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is right -- beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and shades. The Bring It On actress said, "Hollywood needs to recognize all shades of African-American beauty."

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Halle Berry-placeholder
Halle Berry
Jackson Lee/Splash News Design by Anne Meadows

Halle Berry

Sound advice. There is no one better than you just being you. "I think it's always best to be who you are," Halle Berry sagely advised.

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Jada Pinkett-Smith
Photo Image Press/Splash News Design by Anne Meadows

Jada Pinkett-Smith

Jada Pinkett-Smith knows where confidence comes from. Will Smith's wife offered, "You've got to be happy in your own skin."

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Jennifer Hudson
We Dem Boyz/Splash News Design by Anne Meadows

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson knows how to dream big ... and make those dreams come true. The Academy Award winner said, "Dreams do come true. If anyone's proof of that, it's me."

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Queen Latifah-placeholder
Queen Latifah
AdMedia/Splash News Design by Anne Meadows

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah knows the importance of steering clear of negative Nellies. She said, "Look at people for an example, but then make sure to do things your way. Surround yourself with positive people."

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Taraji P. Henson
Splash News Design by Anne Meadows

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson knows that we all have human hearts. The Empire star shared, "At the end of the day, everybody understands love, loss, pain, and heartbreak. That's not a color."

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Tyra Banks-placeholder
Tyra Banks
Featureflash/Shutterstock Design by Anne Meadows

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks adds a whole new level to the traditional "be yourself" inspiration. "Never dull your shine for somebody else," the supermodel advised.

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Viola Davis-placeholder
Viola Davis
Jen Lowery/Splash News Design by Anne Meadows

Viola Davis

Emmy winner Viola Davis knows there is still an uphill battle in Hollywood for black women. But with amazing women like her pushing stereotypes and boundaries, the playing field is getting more level every day. Even if Oscar doesn't think so. "The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity," she confessed.

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