“What a liberal really wants is to bring about change that will not in any way endanger his position.”

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

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

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

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

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

Integration is a man’s ability to want to move in there by himself. If someone wants to live in a white neighborhood and he is black, that is his choice. It should be his rights. It is not because white people will not allow him.

I ain’t going to jail no more. The only way we gonna stop them white men from whuppin’ us is to take over. What we gonna start sayin’ now is Black Power!

The time for running has come to an end. You tell them white folk in Mississippi that all the scared niggers are dead!

The only position for women in SNCC is prone.

It is a call for black people in this country to unite, to recognize their heritage, to build a sense of community. It is a call for black people to define their own goals, to lead their own organizations.

Black Power can be clearly defined for those who do not attach the fears of white America to their questions about it.

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.

The philosophers Camus and Sartre raise the question whether or not a man can condemn himself.

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

An organization which claims to speak for the needs of a community must speak in the tone of that community.

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

Among the clergy we find our most violent enemies, those most opposed to any change in woman’s position.

I think women have come a long way. Women are in positions not because they’re women, they’re in positions because they’re intelligent and they should be equal to their counterparts and treated equally.

A good photograph is knowing where to stand.

You can direct the outcome of any situation you face through the power of thought. Keep your thoughts focused on the best possible outcome for everyone involved and never allow yourself to be pushed where you don’t choose to be.

Luck often raises vulgarity to a high position, to create mirth for the beholders.

Whatever your position, reach out to those who know more than you do, and have been around longer than you have. Find those people. Listen carefully. And learn.

Let your family, staff, and friends know that you’re still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.

I’m not the kind of guy who’s taking advantage of my position.