Racism is a blight on the human conscience

But the human body has an enormous capacity for adjusting to trying circumstances. I have found that one can bear the unbearable if one can keep one's spirits strong even when one's body is being tested. Strong convictions are the secret of surviving deprivation; your spirit can be full even when your stomach is empty.

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

Of course we desire education and we think it is a good thing, but you don't have to have education in order to know that you want certain fundamental rights, you have got aspirations, you have got acclaims. It has nothing to do with education whatsoever.

I was called a terrorist yesterday... Today I am admired by the very people who said I was one.

We slaughter one another in our words and attitudes. We slaughter one another in the stereotypes and mistrust that linger in our heads, and the words of hate we spew from our lips.

Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward.