“Knowledge is power” is a quote we’ve heard time and time again. Education gives us the ability to be confident in ourselves and capture opportunities we otherwise wouldn’t have. It gives us the power to branch out and discover what the truth is. Black people weren’t allowed to learn; their masters knew how much of a threat they’d become if they had even an ounce of knowledge.
I’m happy to say that we’ve come so far, hence #blackexcellence. This week I chose a handful of quotes said by influential, black leaders speaking on education.

1. "Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." —Malcom X

2. "Poor people cannot rely on the government to come to help you in times of need. You have to get your education. Then nobody can control your destiny." —Charles Barkley

3. "Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school house walls, which molds and develops men." –W. E. B. Du Bois

4. "Education is transformational. It changes lives. That is why people work so hard to become educated and why education has always been the key to the American Dream, the force that erases arbitrary divisions of race and class and culture and unlocks every person’s God-given potential." –Condoleezza Rice

5. "There is no profession more essential than that of an educator, and it’s time for all of us to embrace and celebrate their importance and contribution to America’s children." –Queen Latifah

6. "Inclusive, good-quality education is a foundation for dynamic and equitable societies." –Desmond Tutu

7. "Education is everything – education is your power, education is your way in life for whatever you want to do." –Ciara

8. "Knowledge is the key that unlocks all the doors. You can be green-skinned with yellow polka dots and come from Mars, but if you have knowledge that people need instead of beating you, they’ll beat a path to your door." -Ben Carson

9. "The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work." —Michael Jackson

10. "Knowing the only way out is education, even if you don’t have parents that are extraordinarily wealthy. I understand that I have to be an active participant in [my daughter’s] education in order for her to thrive in the world." –Viola Davis

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” —Rosa Parks