And at home in the United States we found continued and increased persecution, first of leaders of the Communist Party, and then of all honest anti-fascists.

My father was a slave and my people died to build this country and I am going to stay here and have a part of it just like you.

The course of history can be changed but not halted.

I am being tried for fighting for the right of my people, who are still second-class citizens in this United States of America.

Every artist, every scientist, every writer must decide now where he stands. The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or for slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.

This United States Government should go down to Mississippi and protect my people. That is what should happen.

The talents of an artist, small or large, are God-given... They are a sacred trust.