Malcolm X (1925-1965)

Malcolm X was an African American revolutionary and Black nationalist leader who rose from a background of poverty, family disruption, and criminal activity to a prominent figure during the civil rights movement until his assassination in 1965. He discovered the religious organization the Nation of Islam while in prison and served as its spokesperson from 1952 until 1964. He was also a vocal advocate for Black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the African American community. A controversial figure accused of preaching violence, Malcolm X is also a celebrated figure with Black people and Muslims worldwide for his pursuit of racial justice.

Quotes

Power in defense of freedom is greater than power on behalf of tyranny and oppression.
My thinking had been opened up wide in Mecca. I wrote long letters to my friends, in which I tried to convey to them my new insights into the American black man’s struggle and his problems as well as the depths of my search for truth and justice. “I’ve had enough of someone else’s propaganda,” I had written to these friends. “I am for truth, no matter who tells it. I am for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I am a human being first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” The American white man’s press called me the angriest Negro in America. I wouldn’t deny that charge; I spoke exactly as I felt. I believe in anger. I believe it is a crime for anyone who is being brutalized to continue to accept that brutality without doing something to defend himself. I am for violence if non-violence means that we continue postponing or even delaying a solution to the American black man’s problem. White man hates to hear anybody, especially a black man, talk about the crime that the white man perpetrated on the black man. But let me remind you that when the white man came into this country, he certainly wasn’t demonstrating non-violence.
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

The Future
Sitting at the table doesn't make you a diner, unless you eat some of what's on that plate. Being here in America doesn't make you an American. Being born here in America doesn't make you an American.

Americans
Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.

Anger
You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.

Freedom, Peace
Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else.
Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.
Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it.

Freedom, Justice
You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.

Patriotism
Power never takes a back step - only in the face of more power.

Power
I have no mercy or compassion in me for a society that will crush people, and then penalize them for not being able to stand up under the weight.
You can always chase a dream but it will not count if you never catch it.
A man only curses because he doesn't know the words to express what is on his mind.

Talking
It's going to be the ballot or the bullet.

Voting
Sitting at the table doesn't make you a diner, unless you eat some of what's on that plate. Being here in America doesn't make you an American. Being born here in America doesn't make you an American.

America