The process of nonviolence is one that takes time and those of us who've suffered, who've been persecuted over the years, would like to see things change, you know, overnight.

How many must die before we can really have a free and true and peaceful society?

I always knew that I was called to do something. I didn't know what, but I finally rationalized after I met Martin [Luther King, Jr.] and it took a lot of praying to discover this, that this was probably what God had called me to do, to marry him.

Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.

If sexual relations between consenting adults are not part of the right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution, then American democracy is in trouble.

Hate is too great a burden to bear.

Segregation was wrong when it was forced by white people, and I believe it is still wrong when it is requested by black people.