At the time I was arrested I had no idea it would turn into this. It was just a day like any other day. The only thing that made it significant was that the masses of the people joined in.

I have spent over half my life teaching love and brotherhood, and I feel that it is better to continue to try to teach or live equality and love than it would be to have hatred or prejudice. Everyone living together in peace and harmony and love - that’s the goal that we seek, and I think that the more people there are who reach that state of mind, the better we will all be.

I do the very best I can to look upon life with optimism and hope and looking forward to a better day.

You cannot always control the powers-that-be. You just have to have faith and stand by the things you believe in.

When that white driver stepped back toward us, when he waved his hand and ordered us up and out of our seats, I felt a determination cover my body like a quilt on a winter night.

I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up.

Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today's mighty oak is yesterday's nut that held its ground.