I would suffer all the humiliation, all the torture, the absolute ostracism and even death, to prevent violence

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.

I have come to see more and more that one of the most decisive steps that the Negro can take is that little walk to the voting booth. That is an important step. We've got to gain the ballot, and through that gain, political power.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked 'insufficient funds.'

We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that "justice too long delayed is justice denied."

The strong man holds in a living blend strongly marked opposites.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.