Ida B. Wells

"We must be architects of our own destiny, not victims of circumstance."

"Every person deserves the opportunity to become who they are meant to be."

"Justice delayed becomes justice denied."

"The power to change the world resides in the united will of the people."

"We must love our people enough to tell them hard truths."

"The struggle for justice is ultimately a struggle for the human soul."

"We are at our best when we fight for something larger than ourselves."

"True freedom includes the freedom to speak inconvenient truths."

"Our humanity is defined by how we respond to the suffering of others."

"The time for half-measures and compromises has passed."

"We must build a world where justice is not an exception but a rule."

"The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press."

"I felt that one had better die fighting against injustice than to die like a dog or a rat in a trap."

"We are not dependent on the goodwill of our oppressors. We must build our own institutions and support our own."

"The truth may be suppressed for a time, but it cannot be destroyed."

"I have always felt it was a duty I owed to my race to drain the last drop of this cup of bitterness."

"Self-preservation is the first law of nature."

"One had better die fighting against injustice than die like a dog in a trap."

"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them."

"We cannot say that all is well when injustice prevails in the land."

"A united people is powerful; a divided people is weak."

"Progress is never made standing still."

"Agitate, then investigate, then educate."

"The prejudice and malice of the white south will not down at the appearance of one insignificant black woman."

"I was determined to make my life count."

"The thought of being a coward troubles me far more than the thought of being lynched."

"There must be a remedy even for the unjust judges."

"It is with intense trepidation and reluctance that I have taken up my pen to write these words."

"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."

"I could not remain silent and let injustice flourish unchecked."