The main part of the tree is the root, and the root is always beneath the ground. It never is brought out into the light.

I think that the problem of the American negro goes beyond the principle of any organization whether it's a religious, political, or otherwise.

The only way we'll get freedom for ourselves is to identify ourselves with every oppressed people in the world. We are blood brothers to the people of Brazil, Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba -- yes Cuba too.

The real names of our people were destroyed during slavery. The last name of my forefathers was taken from them when they were brought to America and made slaves, and then the name of the slave master was given, which we refuse, we reject that name today and refuse it. I never acknowledge it whatsoever.

In this country, these Negro leaders have Negroes sittin' - sitting down, thinking that that - there's dignity towards sitting in.

My Alma mater was books, a good library... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.

I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.