I've seen too much hate to want to hate, myself.

For years, I labored with the idea of reforming the existing institutions in the South, a little change here, a little change there. Now I feel quite differently. I think you've got to have a reconstruction of the entire system, a revolution of values.

Segregation is the adultery of an illicit intercourse between injustice and immorality.

The Negro cannot win the respect of his oppressor by acquiescing; he merely increases the oppressor's arrogance and contempt.

My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a Christian to love him.

Many white Americans of good will have never connected bigotry with economic exploitation. They have deplored prejudice but tolerated or ignored economic injustice.

It may be true that the law cannot change the heart but it can restrain the heartless.