"I am surprised that the trouble has been contained to the degree it has. Until two years ago, New York City used wiser methods than any other city to deal with racial problems. Now it is a case of outright scare tactics. This wont work, because the Negro is not afraid. If the tactics are not changed, this could escalate into something very, very serious."
Malcolm X was an African American revolutionary and Black nationalist leader, coming 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 advoc
"Over the years considerable thought has been given, and action taken with Bureau approval, relating to methods through which the [Nation of Islam] could be discredited in the eyes of the general black populace or through which factionalism among the leadership could be created.... Factional disputes have been developed — the most notable being MALCOLM X LITTLE."
Malcolm X"I dont usually deal with those big words because I dont usually deal with big people. I deal with small people. I find you can get a whole lot of small people and whip hell out of a whole lot of big people. They havent got anything to lose, and theyve got every thing to gain. And theyll let you know in a minute: "It takes two to tango; when I go, you go."
Malcolm X"I do believe that there will be a clash between East and West. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the systems of exploitation. I believe that there will be that kind of clash, but I dont think that it will be based upon the color of the skin...."
Malcolm X"President Kennedy never foresaw that the chickens would come home to roost so soon. Being an old farm boy myself, chickens coming home to roost never did make me sad; theyve always made me glad."
Malcolm X"If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, theres no progress. If you pull it all the way out thats not progress. Progress is healing the wound that the blow made. And they havent even pulled the knife out much less heal the wound. They wont even admit the knife is there."
Malcolm X"I dont believe in any form of unjustified extremism! But when a man is exercising extremism — a human being is exercising extremism — in defense of liberty for human beings its no vice, and when one is moderate in the pursuit of justice for human beings I say he is a sinner."
Malcolm X