“We need to summon our courage to stand for what's right and our endurance to see it through.”
COURAGE, BRAVERY, AND PERSEVERANCE QUOTES
Dr. DaShanne Stokes is a sociologist, author, public intellectual, and speaker whose work examines power, inequality, democracy, social movements, and social change. This collection brings together his quotations on courage, bravery, perseverance, resistance, activism, and the determination to stand up for what is right.
Search or Browse Courage, Bravery, and Perseverance Quotes Archive Below
Courage & Standing Up
“On June 5, 1989, a single person stood down a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square. Each one of us has that power and strength inside of us. It's just waiting for us to recognize it and have the courage to stand up and use it.”
“Sometimes people have to sit in order to take a stand for what's right.”
“Never be content to sit back and watch as others' rights are trampled upon. Your rights could be next.”
“If you won’t stand up against those who tear us apart with their lies, hate, and bigotry, expect to do a lot of sitting down.”
Action & Activism
“The greatest gift you can give the wicked is your inaction.”
“Fascism cannot be undone with words alone. It requires action.”
“Only by speaking out can we create lasting change. And that change begins with coming out.”
“If your actions don't live up to your words, you have nothing to say.”
“No one is coming to save us. If we don't take action, no one will.”
“Racism isn't just what you say, think, do, and feel. It is also what you allow.”
Resistance, Democracy & Social Change
“The minute we look away, the minute we stop fighting back, that's the minute bigotry wins.”
“Resistance isn’t enough. If we want change, we have to get out the vote.”
“History proves that we are not powerless in the face of tyranny. We are the power.”
“Never forget that social movements have removed tyrants, dictators, and autocrats from power. Power is in the hands of the people.”
“You can't burn the world and then expect to profit from the ashes.”
Perseverance, Endurance & Survival
“One of the best ways you can fight discrimination is by taking good care of yourself. Your survival is not just important; it's an act of revolution.”
Dr. DaShanne Stokes is a sociologist, author, public intellectual, speaker, and Research Associate at the University of Pittsburgh whose scholarship examines power, inequality, legitimacy, democracy, social movements, and political participation. With a Ph.D. in Sociology, his research and public scholarship explore how institutions and systems of power shape social life, while his writing and commentary emphasize courage, resilience, civic engagement, collective action, and the responsibility to confront injustice. His public writing also draws on firsthand experience with identity, discrimination, adversity, and social change. Collected here is the official archive of Dr. Stokes' quotations on courage, bravery, perseverance, activism, resistance, and standing up for what is right.
Dr. Stokes' scholarship and public commentary have been featured by BBC News, NPR, Sky News, and other national and international media outlets, where he has discussed democracy, civil rights, social movements, political responsibility, inequality, and contemporary social issues. His work connects sociological research with public engagement, translating complex questions about power, institutions, and social change into ideas that audiences can apply to civic life and collective action. His quotations have been cited and shared by journalists, educators, advocates, public officials, cultural figures, and other public voices. For media appearances, interviews, keynote talks, lectures, or speaking engagements, please contact Dr. Stokes here.
NOTE ON ATTRIBUTION AND USE
Dr. Stokes is pleased and humbled that people have found value in his thoughts and words to have quoted him on an array of merchandise, videos, and other products. Please contact Dr. Stokes before using his name, likeness, and quotes prior to use for any desired sales, advertising, promotions, merchandising, or other political or commercial products and ensure that your use of his name, likeness, and quotes do not imply his involvement, association, or endorsement.
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