Recently, I have been intentional about organizing my collection of empowering, motivational, and inspirational quotes by Black women throughout the African Diaspora.  Among my collection of empowering quotes, I have what I call my collection of “beautiful Black queen quotes.”  These quotes come from women of all ages and stages of life. 

Black queens come in different shapes, sizes, and shades.  We have different hair textures, and we wear our hair natural, straight, braided, weaved, and in locs.   Some of us are stacked “like a brick house” and others are thin and wiry.  

And, as much as we say that we love ourselves, sometimes it feels hollow to say so.  Why? Well, that’s because many of us still live in societies where the intersection of gender and racial oppression continues to define beauty ideals for women. 

As a result, Black women have unique body image disturbances.  And, I say that as a registered dietitian nutritionist,a researcher on women’s health, and a Black woman.

Why I Love Beautiful Black Queen Quotes

Now, before I go any further, I want to emphasize that women of all races, ethnicity, and gender identities can be inspired by these quotes.  Of course, I am personally inspired by these beautiful quotes.  However, I love to share them with girls and young women to inspire them on their journey.  And men, you can share these quotes with your wives, partners, daughters, sisters, and your female play cousins. 

Today, I present 9 beautiful Black queen quotes about loving your body by Black women actors, athletes, and musicians.  And, some of them are such badasses that they fall into several categories.  These women have risen to the top of their respective professions that have not always valued them for their beauty.  In fact, some were downright told that their bodies did not fit the “ideal.”  Additionally, some have been mocked and insulted for their thick thighs, muscular arms, and ample bosoms.  However, these Black queens kept their eyes on the prize and we cheered them on. 

Thus, I believe it is important to recognize these voices throughout the year—and not just during Black History Month.

Please note that the images below do not depict the women quoted.

You Are Enough

I need to see my own beauty and to continue to be reminded that I am enough.

Tracee Elllis Ross

Do you sometimes feel that you’re not enough?  If so, you’re not alone.  This quote by Tracee Ellis Ross is one of my favorite Black queen quotes about loving your body.

The latest fashion trends seek to tell us that our lips need to be fuller (Haha), eyebrows need to be bushier, butts need to be firmer, and skin needs to be lighter. And, don’t forget that they tell us that we need to be skinnier.

But, your Creator did not make a mistake.  So, remind yourself that you were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). My friend, you are enough.

Thick and Beautiful

I’m not ashamed of what I am and that I have curves and that I’m thick. I like my body.

Alicia Keys

I chose this Alicia Key’s quote as one of the beautiful Black queen quotes because our community is filled with beautiful, thick curves.  Some of the curves got a little bigger after childbirth, and they help us to celebrate life.

Whether your curves are small or full-sized, put your hands on your hips and shake them!

You Cannot Buy Beauty

I realized that beauty was not a thing that I could acquire or consume, it was something I just had to be.

Lupita Nyong’o

There comes a time in our life when we realize that we cannot buy beauty.  Yes, you can wear makeup and dress in the latest fashion. However, we can see behind your mask.  This beautiful Black queen quote by Lupita Nyong’o reminds us that our beauty is the essence of who we are.  

I AM

I am my inspiration.

Lizzo

Say Whaaat?  This quote by Lizzo is so simple that you may have to read it several times to let it sink in. 

Yes, it is OK to admire others and listen to their inspiring journey.  But, girlfriend, take a look back at how far you’ve come and be inspired by your progress.  Did you know that the average American woman wears a size 12?  However, that’s not you see in the magazines or on TV.

You may not be where you want to be, but you’re further along than you were last year.  You may have 20 pounds to lose, but celebrate the 5 pounds that you lost.

Built for This

I was built this way for a reason, so I’m going to use it.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles’ gymnastic routine is poetry in motion.  I chose this as one of the beautiful Black queen quotes about loving your body because it’s important to know your purpose.  Simone is petite, strong, and powerful, and she chose a sport where she could excel.

When was the last time you looked at your naked body in the mirror?  Let me rephrase it.  When was the last time you looked lovingly and appreciatively at your body? Yes, seriously. 

As I stated in a previous blog on listening to your naked body, your body is the only one you have and will ever have. You may nip it, tuck it, feed it, starve it, curse it, or laugh at it.  And after you have removed your makeup, tossed your wig aside, and slipped out of your Spanx or body shaper—there you are.  So, be comfortable with your body.

You were built like this for a reason!     

A Woman of Curves

Being a woman of curves, I really find that it’s very important to talk about loving your body where you are.

Danielle Brooks

This quote by Danielle Brooks reminds us that we can’t get away from women talking about and celebrating their curves. 

Your body isn’t just something that you squeeze into tight jeans.  It’s your vessel, a temple, and the home of your spirit, your essence, and the core of who you are.  Learn to love your body as it is, where you are now, and not as you want it to be.  I guarantee that if you don’t love your body now, you won’t love it if you lose 10, 20, or 50 pounds.  Why? Because you will always find fault with another part of your body—nose, feet, butt, eyes, or something else.

Beautiful Inside and Out

You can be whatever size you are, and you can be beautiful both inside and out.

Serena Williams

This quote by Serena Williams emphasizes the importance of outer and inner beauty.  Sometimes we are guilty of judging people based on their appearance.  So, let’s not assume that the gorgeous, well-dressed woman doesn’t have a beautiful soul. 

Do what you need to do to look and feel good.  Give yourself some much-needed self-care and treat yourself to a spa day.  But, don’t neglect to feed your soul daily and let your inner beauty shine through.

Appreciate Yourself

Beauty is when you can appreciate yourself. When you love yourself, that’s when you’re most beautiful.

Zoe Kravitz

To appreciate something means to value it and be grateful for it.  I include this quote by Zoe Kravitz as one of the beautiful Black queen quotes because it takes a unique perspective on beauty.  When you value your body, you take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health.  You also set healthy boundaries to let others know where you draw the line on how they can treat you.

So, take your self-care routine up a notch. And, don’t forget to write in your gratitude journal how thankful you are for some aspect of your beautiful body. 

Speak Up For Yourself

Speak up for yourself and what you believe in. You can still be an elegant woman and be strong and powerful.

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland was the first Black woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre.  Her beautiful Black queen quote reminds us to speak truth to power.  So, how is truth-telling related to beauty?  Well, speaking your truth and doing so often, reveals our authentic selves. 

So, while you may not be as stylish and well-dressed as some women, you need to find your voice and speak up for yourself.  And, your authentic self is beautiful.

Now, It’s Your Turn

I hope that you enjoyed these beautiful Black queen quotes about loving your body. I think that you will enjoy reading the post on 9 empowering quotes on being fearless as well the posts on a few of our warrior women.

Please share one of your favorite quotes by a woman in the comment section.

We look forward to hearing about your experience with journal writing.  And, you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Page.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your social network.  Your subscription to the blog is also appreciated!

We also have many self-care boards for you to follow on Pinterest.

Keep It Tight Sisters.

Eat. Move. Breathe.