The camera could be a very powerful instrument against discrimination, against poverty, against racism.

You know, the camera is not meant just to show misery.

I have never known anyone important enough to consume me in anger beyond a few hours. Better to depart their existence before they poison your own.

I suffered first as a child from discrimination, poverty ... So I think it was a natural follow from that that I should use my camera to speak for people who are unable to speak for themselves.

I have always felt as though I needed a weapon against evil.

I'd become sort of involved in things that were happening to people. No matter what color they be, whether they be Indians, or Negroes, the poor white person or anyone who was I thought more or less getting a bad shake.

You have a 45mm automatic pistol on your lap, and I have a 35mm camera on my lap, and my weapon is just as powerful as yours. (To Black Panther militant Eldridge Cleaver)