So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have — and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth — you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...

Any way, any form necessary to defend himself; Negro should reserve the right to do that just the same as others have the right to do it.

I believe in human rights for everyone, and none of us is qualified to judge each other and that none of us should therefore have that authority.

The Chinese in this country aren't asking for integration.

The separating of a section of America for Afro- Americans is similar to expecting a heaven in the sky somewhere after you die.

I learned early that crying out in protest could accomplish things. My older brothers and sister had started to school when, sometimes, they would come in and ask for a buttered biscuit or something and my mother, impatiently, would tell them no. But I would cry out and make a fuss until I got what I wanted. I remember well how my mother asked me why I couldn't be a nice boy like Wilfred; but I would think to myself that Wilfred, for being so nice and quiet, often stayed hungry. So early in life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.

When I was in prison, I read an article - don't be shocked when I say I was in prison. You're still in prison. That's what America means: prison.