To celebrate African American History month, I would like to reflect on encouraging quotes from leaders and influencers that have inspired us. These individuals have paved a way so that people like me can inspire others and have the opportunity to create in this world. So regardless of your nationality and background, let's take a moment to ponder on their greatness and appreciate their words. If any of the quotes listed below particularly stand out to you, please share your favorite. And don't hesitate to add some.

Have a great superbowl weekend.

-Dapper

1. Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better. -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

2. I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.-- Muhammad Ali The Greatest

3. Have a vision. Be demanding. -- Colin Powell

4. I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear. -- Rosa Parks

5. Just like you can buy grades of silk, you can buy grades of justice.-- Ray Charles

6. Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. -- Booker T. Washington

7. Yes we can. -- Barack Obama

8. Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power. -- Barbara Jordan

9. The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself—the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us—that's where it's at. -- Jesse Owens

10. Racism is not an excuse to not do the best you can.-- Arthur Ashe quoted in Sports Illustrated

11. Be black, shine, aim high. -- Leontyne Price

12. Greatness occurs when your children love you, when your critics respect you and when you have peace of mind. -- Quincy Jones

13. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise. "Still I rise," And Still I Rise - Maya Angelou

14. The past is a ghost, the future a dream. All we ever have is now. -- Bill Cosby

Shot by Benjamin Rooser

Get the Look

Reflections | Shot by Benjamin Rosser