Negroes aren't seeking anything which is not good for the nation as well as ourselves. In order for America to be 100 percent strong -- economically, defensively and morally -- we cannot afford the waste of having second- and third-class citizens.

There's not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.

I don't like needing anyone for anything.

Life is not a spectator sport.

I'm not goin' anywhere, I'm right here!

Above anything else, I hate to lose.

Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you're wasting your life.