In the vibrant tapestry of American history, Black History Month serves as a sacred moment to honor the indomitable spirit and unparalleled contributions of black people to the nation’s narrative.
As a black woman journalist who knows her history, this celebration is not just a commemoration but a powerful reminder of the struggles, triumphs, and extraordinary legacies that have shaped our collective identity.
In weaving the intricate threads of this narrative, we pay homage to the trailblazers who have paved the way for change, and among these luminaries stands Cicely Tyson, an American actress whose illustrious career resonates with the echoes of the civil rights movement.
Join me in unraveling the profound impact of Cicely Tyson’s wisdom. Explore her quotes to absorb the eloquence and power she left behind. Let’s weave these narratives into our understanding and celebrate her enduring legacy this Black History Month.
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Cicely Tyson: A Life Woven into History
Before we delve into the powerful quotes that Cicely Tyson left us with, let’s take a moment to appreciate the woman behind those words. Born on December 19, 1924, in New York City, Cicely Tyson grew up in Harlem during a time when racial tensions were high, and the seeds of the civil rights movement were just beginning to sprout.
From an early age, Tyson displayed a passion for performance, studying at the Actors Studio and finding early success as a model. However, her journey was far from easy. In an industry that often limited the roles available for black women, Tyson faced countless challenges.
Tyson’s illustrious career spanned several decades, earning her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, three Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.
Her groundbreaking achievements made her the first black woman to receive an Honorary Oscar, and in 2016, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Cicely Tyson Quotes
1.”Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They’re what make the instrucment stretch, what make you go beyond the norm.”
2. “To soar what’s possible, you must leave behind what’s comfortable.”
3. “You always seek to control others when you are not in full ownership of yourself.”
4. “I am not a quitter. I will fight until I drop. It is just a matter of having some faithm in th fact that as long as you are able to draw breath in the universe, you have a chance.”
5. “I’m grateful that God often laughs at our plans and substitutes his better ones.”
6. “When you don’t know your true value, you see the world through the lens of how you don’t measure up.”
7. “Resent corrodes the veins of the person who carries it.”
8. “That is, in this life, who we are for one another-fellow sojourners and witnesses. We are here to see and hear one another.”
9. “As life has tuaght me time and time again, you often have to lose your present circumstances to make room for your forthcoming one.”
10. “That’s the power of education. It expands one’s field of vision, and in so doing, it lifts entire families and communities.”
11. “If you expect nothing, you will never be disappointed.”
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Ms. Tyson Quotes:
12. “The most potent antidote to reticence is survival.”
13. “To be seen in this life, truly observed without judgement, is what it feels like to be loved.”
14. “Around the business, I have sometimes been called difficult. The turth is that I insist upon respect. I don’t take any tea for the fever, child. Even now, at age 96, I teach folks not to mess with me.”
15. “Turning a blind eye to our history has not saved us from its consequences.”
16. “Nearly all parents can sum up their aspirations for their children in one word: better.”
17. “America has our blood on its palms, our flest between its teeth. When you come to understand what we have endured, when you let the barefaced savagery of it all truly penetrate, you are forever haunted by the horror.”
18. “The lie of Black inferiority was built right into America’s infrastructure, and to this day, that framework remains stubbornly intact.’
19. “I have learned not to allow rejection to move me.”
20. “Over and over in our world, we have witnessed how today’s riches can become tomorrow’s scarcity. We’d do well to heed the lesson. In times of plenty, paucity sits by, licking its lips, and awaiting its next grand appearance.”
21. “There is nothing our children can’t achieve when they’re given the proper tools and nuturing, starting with a belief in their own brillance despite social messages to the contrary.”
22. “The moment anyone tries to demean or degrade you in any way, you have to know how great you are. Nobody would bother to beat you down if you were not a threat.”
Strong Statements for Young People to Read for Daily Inspiration
23. “If each person in this world will simply take a small piece of this huge thing, this amazing quilt, and work it regardless of the color of the yarn, we will have harmony on this planet.”
24. “I think when you begin to think of yourself as having achieved something, then there’s nothing left for you to work towards.”
25. “I want to believe that there is a mountain so high that I will spend my entire life striving to reach the top of it.”
26. “Whatever good I have accomplished as an actress I believe came in direct proportion to my efforts to portray black women who made positive contributions to my heritage.”
27. “I saw that I could not afford the luxury of being an actress. So I made the choice to use my career as a platform to address issues of the race I was born.”
28. “One of the things I have always said-about the man woman relationship is that I don’ t want anbody to walk ahead of me and I don’t want anybody to walk behind me. I want a man who will walk beside me. And that’s how I feel about equal rights.”
29. “When I told my mom I wanted to be an actress, she said you can’t live here, and do that, and so I moved out. I was determined to prove her wrong because she was so sure that I was going to go astray. And that’s the juice that kept me going.”
30. “All I have to do is find someone who has something to say that will enrich my life and they can’t get rid of me.”
31. “You never know what motivates you.”
32. “I don’t condemn anyone for making their choices. If someone chooses those roles, fine. But not for me. When someone stops me and says, You’re the reason I became an actress, that lets me know I made the right decision.”
33. “In my work, people say I’m strong. But I’m not aware of any of it. If I were conscious of it, that can only get in the way of future performances.”
Happy Black History Month: Celebrating the Legacy
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s remember the shoulders of others upon which we stand. Cicely Tyson’s life was a testament to the strength, resilience, and beauty of black women. Her achievements paved the way for the next generations of artists and activists.
Cicely Tyson’s Impact on the Entertainment Industry
Cicely Tyson’s influence extends far beyond her roles on screen. She was a trailblazer in an industry that often struggled with systemic racism. Through her choices of roles, Tyson challenged stereotypes and demanded respect for the true value of black Americans’ contributions to art and culture.
A Love Note to Cicely Tyson
In a world where black people faced unsteady strokes of caricature, Cicely Tyson stood as a beacon of authenticity. Her choices of roles were a love note to the black community, reflecting the richness and diversity of real life.
Acknowledging Cicely Tyson’s Contributions
As we reflect on Cicely Tyson’s remarkable career during Black History Month, let’s acknowledge that the only thing limiting us is the gradual reduction of our own dreams. May her legacy inspire us to continue the fight for justice, equality, and love.
Looking Forward
In the words of Cicely Tyson, “I’ve always thought of myself as a small piece of this huge thing called America.” As we move forward, let’s carry her spirit with us, working towards a future where everyone, regardless of their background, can contribute to and benefit from the beautiful quilt of humanity.
In conclusion, during Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also recognize the work that still needs to be done. Cicely Tyson’s life and words are a reminder that we are all human beings with the power to shape our destiny.
May her legacy continue to inspire us to do the right thing and create a better world for the generations to come and let us know which one listed is your favorite quote.
