1.
I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.
Madam C. J. Walker
'I had to forge my own success and create my own openings. But I achieved it! Don't settle and wait for chances to arrive. Rise up and manufacture them.'
2.
If I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard.
Madam C. J. Walker
If I have achieved anything in life it is because of my dedication to labour.
3.
I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations....I have built my own factory on my own ground.
Madam C. J. Walker
4.
I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself, for I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race. ... I want to say to every Negro woman present, don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!
Madam C. J. Walker
5.
IT'S PRETTY HARD for the Lord TO GUIDE YOU IF YOU HAVEN'T MADE UP YOUR MIND WHICH WAY TO GO.
Madam C. J. Walker
'It is difficult for the Almighty to provide direction if you have not decided which path to take.'
6.
I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.
Madam C. J. Walker
I urge you to recognize that your primary responsibility is to our common humanity. I want others to witness us demonstrating consideration not only for ourselves, but also for the wider world.
7.
I got my start by giving myself a start.
Madam C. J. Walker
I initiated my journey by taking the first step.
8.
I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.
Madam C. J. Walker
I strive to create job opportunities for many of my fellow female compatriots.
9.
America doesn't respect anything but money. What our people need is a few millionaires.
Madam C. J. Walker
'America has a tendency to venerate wealth. What our populace needs are some affluent individuals.'
10.
I am not ashamed of my past. I am not ashamed of my humble beginning.
Madam C. J. Walker
I am not embarrassed by my previous circumstances. I am not embarrassed by my lowly origin.
11.
Perseverance is my motto.
Madam C. J. Walker
Fortitude is my maxim.
12.
I want the great masses of my people to take a greater pride in their personal appearance and to give their hair proper attention.
Madam C. J. Walker
I wish for my citizens to take more pride in their physical presentation and to properly groom their hair.
13.
One night I had a dream, and in that dream a big black man appeared to me and told me what to mix up for my hair. I made up my mind I would begin to sell it.
Madam C. J. Walker
I had a vision in my sleep that a tall ebony man appeared to me and showed me how to concoct something for my hair. I decided then and there to start peddling it.
14.
There would be no hair growing business today had I not started it.
Madam C. J. Walker
'Had I not been the originator of this hair growing enterprise, it would never have come to fruition.'
15.
You might say that I was the first and caused others to awaken to the sense of their duty in helping deserving causes for the benefit of the race.
Madam C. J. Walker
I could be credited as the originator who encouraged others to become conscious of their obligation to aid deserving causes for the advancement of humanity.
