Maya Angelou quotes about hope

Since you're black, you have to hope for the best. Be prepared for the worst and always know that anything can happen.

If one is lucky a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.

Every try will not succeed. But if you're going to live, live at all, your business is trying.

Trying to overcome was black people's honorable tradition.

It was the awakening summer of 1960 and the entire country was in labor. Something wonderful was about to be born, and we were all going to be good parents to the welcome child. Its name was Freedom.

We, the most hated, must take hate into our hands and by the miracle of love, turn loathing into love.

It'll be O.K., Mom. Don't cry. I love you, Mom. Lots of people love you.

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in.

I rise

Shine on me, sunshine

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave

But getting up stays on my mind

Now I’m where I belong.

I’m stepping out on Your word.

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.

It is in the search itself that one finds the ecstasy.

I learned that a friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.

Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow.

That day, I learned that I could be a giver by simply bringing a smile to another person.

The ensuing years have taught me that a kind word, a vote of support is a charitable gift.

I don’t know how to find the things we need, but I will step out on the word of God.

If you can force one smile on your face for strangers, do it for me.