We were aware of the fact that death walks hand in hand with struggle.

I knew that I could vote and that that wasn't a privilege; it was my right. Every time I tried I was shot, killed or jailed, beaten or economically deprived.

We had no more courage than Harriet Tubman or Marcus Garvey had in their times. We just had a more vulnerable enemy.

The secret of life is to have no fear; it's the only way to function.

I also know that while I am black I am a human being, and therefore I have the right to go into any public place. White people didn't know that.Every time I tried to go into a place they stopped me

Our grandfathers had to run, run, run. My generation's out of breath. We ain't running no more.

Our noses are broad, our lips are thick, our hair is nappy-we are black and beautiful!