Marley Dias Quotes

Powerful Marley Dias for Daily Growth

About Marley Dias

Marley Dias (born 2005) is an American activist, author, and editor who has made significant strides in promoting diversity in children's literature at a young age. Born and raised in New Rochelle, New York, Dias grew up with strong influences from her parents, John and Billissima Dias, who instilled in her a sense of social responsibility and the importance of education. At the age of 11, Marley was disappointed by the lack of diverse characters in books assigned at school. This sparked an idea that would soon become a global movement. She decided to start a literacy initiative called #1000BlackGirlBooks, aiming to collect and donate 1,000 books featuring Black female protagonists to schools and libraries around the world. The project quickly gained attention, with Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama voicing their support. In 2018, Marley published her first book, "Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!" Co-written with Heather Hogan, the memoir shares her journey as an activist, offering insights on leadership, social change, and the importance of self-belief. The following year, she launched "GrassrootSociety," a digital platform for young people to share their ideas and work towards positive change in their communities. Marley Dias continues to advocate for diversity and representation in children's literature while inspiring a new generation of activists. Her efforts have earned her numerous awards, including the President's Volunteer Service Award and the Teens Change the World Award. Marley Dias serves as a powerful reminder that age is not a barrier to making a difference in the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am not defined by my activism but I use it as a platform to make changes."

Marley Dias' quote suggests that while she is actively engaged in advocacy, her identity or essence goes beyond that role. Instead, she employs her activism as a tool to drive change, indicating that her personality, interests, and passions are not limited to this singular aspect of her life. The statement underscores the idea that an individual can have multiple facets and pursuits, with activism being one of them. Moreover, it conveys a powerful message about the potential for using platforms, regardless of their nature, as levers for positive change in society.


"I hope that people realize that youth activism is powerful and important."

This quote emphasizes the potential influence and relevance of youth activism, suggesting that young individuals possess significant power and importance in bringing about societal change. The message implies a call to acknowledge the capabilities and contributions of younger generations in advocating for causes they believe in, thus inspiring action and empowerment among them.


"Books are a way for people to understand each other better, and in understanding each other, we can learn to respect each other."

This quote suggests that reading books fosters empathy and understanding among individuals, leading to increased mutual respect. By engaging with diverse narratives, we gain insights into the lives, experiences, and perspectives of others, which in turn promotes a more inclusive and compassionate worldview. In essence, literature serves as a bridge connecting people, promoting dialogue, unity, and a greater appreciation for our shared humanity.


"We need more books that reflect the realities of Black girls and girls of color."

This quote emphasizes the importance of diversity in literature, specifically focusing on the underrepresentation of Black girls and girls of color in books. By having more stories that accurately portray their experiences, these young readers can find themselves reflected positively in media, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth. Additionally, it encourages all readers to appreciate diverse perspectives, promoting understanding and empathy among different communities.


"I think it's important to show young girls of color that they are powerful and their voices matter."

This quote by Marley Dias emphasizes the importance of empowering young girls of color, communicating that they possess strength and value. By showcasing these qualities, we can inspire them to believe in themselves and recognize that their perspectives and ideas are crucial. This can foster self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency among underrepresented groups, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse society.


Yes, you can be passionate about school and fashion simultaneously. The two are not mutually exclusive - one doesn't cancel out the other.

- Marley Dias

Passionate, Other, Cancel, Mutually Exclusive

People say, 'Dream big!' - but you have to think about the logistics. It's not just coming up with a great idea; it's how you can sell or market or promote that great idea.

- Marley Dias

Think, Big, Idea, Logistics

The first black girl book I fell in love with was most likely 'Please, Puppy, Please' by Spike Lee and Tonya Lee.

- Marley Dias

Love, Book, Likely, None

Hillary Clinton is someone who's never waited around for someone else to do the hard work. She's been an organizer and a change-maker for her whole life, practically.

- Marley Dias

Work, Been, Practically, Waited

When I was really little, I wanted to be our first woman president. I always knew I want to be the kind of grownup who makes people's lives better. And since that's pretty much the job of the President of the United States, it seemed like a good idea.

- Marley Dias

Woman, Idea, Woman President, Grownup

I think it is important to speak your mind. Tolerance of the ignorance sends the wrong message to kids.

- Marley Dias

Mind, Think, I Think, Tolerance

My mom was born in Jamaica and has always been around a community of black people, so she encouraged me to get out and act. My dad, on the other hand, is from suburban Massachusetts, so he had not been around a lot of black people.

- Marley Dias

Other, Been, Dad, Massachusetts

I have some friends who love to perform and wish they were getting the attention I am getting. But that doesn't stop them from supporting me.

- Marley Dias

Love, Some, Perform, Supporting

It isn't always simple when America discovers you at 11 years old. Suddenly, it's not just homework that you're responsible for. Your name becomes a hashtag, and if you're lucky, you might even get invited on 'Ellen.'

- Marley Dias

Simple, Lucky, Your, Ellen

I think the biggest thing is that success is not measured by whether or not you're on 'CBS This Morning' or whether or not you make the local news station.

- Marley Dias

Think, News, Measured, CBS

I suggest school buses make stops at local libraries so that children who do not have resources like books at home can get access.

- Marley Dias

Access, Like, Libraries, Buses

My health and schoolwork come first. I work hard to get lots of sleep, but I probably work just as hard to spend time with friends.

- Marley Dias

Work, Health, Work Hard, Schoolwork

Dressing in an androgynous way, mixing up the masculine and feminine, blurring those boundaries - I'm cool with that. No one should ever be limited by stereotypes of gender, just as no one should ever be limited by stereotypes of race.

- Marley Dias

Gender, Race, Stereotypes, Androgynous

Innovation comes from, one, acknowledging yourself; two, studying and understanding the problem; and three, finding a solution.

- Marley Dias

Innovation, Studying, Two, Acknowledging

I've learned to use big words. Because I'm an avid reader, I can prove myself as a smart and diligent person.

- Marley Dias

Big, Prove, Diligent, Avid

Girls of color and young women need to be seen, heard, and valued. Schools can help make this happen by including our stories in the curriculum.

- Marley Dias

Happen, Young Women, Stories, Curriculum

Between school, homework, tests, and play time with my friends, I have worked my butt off to create this space where black girls' stories are read and celebrated in schools and libraries.

- Marley Dias

Play, Stories, Read, Celebrated

Every time I've heard Ava DuVernay speak, I have learned so much.

- Marley Dias

Time, Speak, Learned, I Have Learned

I go to Amazon to browse for things I can then go find at the mall. It's like window shopping online. I want to touch the things that I buy. I am the kid who still likes actual books, bookstores, and libraries.

- Marley Dias

Kid, I Can, Buy, Shopping

If I meet someone who's Native American and I don't know anything about indigenous people in New Jersey - which I kind of don't, which is not really good - I can learn more and more about their lives, and that makes me a more open person and a more accepting person.

- Marley Dias

Good, About, Native American, Accepting

My goal for the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign is to create systemic change across all school systems. I want there to be diverse books that reflect the lives of every person, regardless of whether or not they are in the majority.

- Marley Dias

Goal, Systemic, Lives, Diverse

It was the desire to see black girls and our experiences in the books that I was given to read at school that forced me to speak my truth. I launched #1000BlackGirlBooks, a book drive to collect the stories of women of color.

- Marley Dias

Book, Color, Forced, Collect

I wasn't seeing black girls in the books I was assigned to read at my school. I was tired of only reading about white boys and dogs and wanted to collect books featuring black girls.

- Marley Dias

Tired, Black, Read, Collect

Like feminism, I want to create systems and structures for the equity for all people, especially girls and women.

- Marley Dias

Want, Like, Structures, All People

I want young girls to know that their passions are important and that they should pursue them, regardless of whether or not they think that they'll be successful in terms of the mainstream.

- Marley Dias

Think, Young, Young Girls, Passions

When you are reading about a book, you focus on the main character, of course. When you have something in common with them and connect with them, you remember the lessons they learned, and then you can apply them to your life. So you can live the best life you can.

- Marley Dias

Focus, Book, About, Main Character

For kids in 2nd or 3rd grade, I would recommend the 'Dear America' series. Most of the stories in the 'Dear America' series, if they have black girls, are about them being enslaved, but they escape or do something really adventurous.

- Marley Dias

Black, Adventurous, Stories, Enslaved

I come from a community that has a lot of white kids, and I notice how, a lot of times, they don't understand our differences and how I come from a different culture and my ancestors are different and my history is different.

- Marley Dias

Differences, Understand, Notice

All my friends can probably only name one publishing house, and that is Scholastic; they are everywhere. Scholastic is the perfect partner for spreading my message of diversity, inclusion, and social action.

- Marley Dias

Perfect, Social, Spreading, Publishing House

Anyone can change the world however they want for the better!

- Marley Dias

World, Better, However, Change The World

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