African American Proverbs

African American Proverbs arise from oral traditions forged in slavery, church life, and the Great Migration. They speak in rhythm and wit about dignity, survival, and community, turning hardship into guidance and hope.

Go with the flow. (African American Proverb)
If you ask a Negro where he's been, he'll tell you where he's going. View proverb
African American Proverb
Dog don't get mad when you say he's a dog. View proverb
African American Proverb
Heaps of good cotton stocks get chopped up from association with the weeds. View proverb
African American Proverb
If you want to keep something secret from black folks, put it between the covers of a book. View proverb
African American Proverb
In the South they don't care how close you get, as long as you don't get too high. In the North, they don't care how high you get, as long as you don't get too close. View proverb
African American Proverb
Mothers raise their daughters and let their sons grow up. View proverb
African American Proverb
Old Satan couldn't get along without plenty of help. View proverb
African American Proverb
A heard head makes a soft behind. View proverb
African American Proverb
A penny saved is a penny earned. View proverb
African American Proverb
Ain't no use askin' the cow to pour you a glass of milk. (African American Proverb)
All poor people ain't black/ and all black people ain't poor. View proverb
African American Proverb
Be careful what you wish for you might get it. View proverb
African American Proverb
Black people must stop acting like crabs in a barrel and work together. View proverb
African American Proverb
Burning the candle at both ends. View proverb
African American Proverb
Couldn't hit the broad side of the barn. View proverb
African American Proverb
Count your blessings, not your problems. View proverb
African American Proverb
Death don't see no difference ‘tween the big house and the cabin. View proverb
African American Proverb
Do as I say and not as I do. View proverb
African American Proverb
Flies can't fall in a tight-closed pot. View proverb
African American Proverb
Going to be a cold day in hell. (African American Proverb)
Hand plow can't make furrows by itself. View proverb
African American Proverb
I'm not going to lend you a stick to break my head with. View proverb
African American Proverb
It takes a heap of licks to drive a nail in the dark. View proverb
African American Proverb
Jaybird don't rob his own nest. View proverb
African American Proverb