The masses don't shed their blood for the benefit of a few individuals.

An organization which claims to be working for the needs of a community - as SNCC does - must work to provide that community with a position of strength from which to make its voice heard. This is the significance of black power beyond the slogan

I place my own hope for the United States in the growth of belief among the unqualified that they are in fact qualified: they can articulate and be responsible and hold power

The first need of a free people is to define their own terms.

So that the failures to pass a civil rights bill isn't because of Black Power, isn't because of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; it's not because of the rebellions that are occurring in the major cities.

The masses don't shed their blood for the benefit of a few individuals.

I usually say I did the best I could with what I had. I have no major regrets.