I believe in prayer. It's the best way we have to draw strength from heaven.

I did take the blows [of life], but I took them with my chin up, in dignity, because I so profoundly love and respect humanity.

We must change the system of education and instruction. Unfortunately, history has shown us that brotherhood must be learned, when it should be natural.

We've got to show that blacks and whites are treated equally in the army. Otherwise, what's the point of waging war on Hitler?

I'm not intimidated by anyone. Everyone is made with two arms, two legs, a stomach and a head. Just think about that.

Surely the day will come when color means nothing more than the skin tone, when religion is seen uniquely as a way to speak one's soul; when birth places have the weight of a throw of the dice and all men are born free, when understanding breeds love and brotherhood.

I spent 30 minutes each morning rubbing my body with half a lemon to lighten my skin.