Malcolm X

Civil rights leader

Modern influential 53 sayings

Sayings by Malcolm X

I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.

1964 — Interview after leaving the Nation of Islam
Controversial Unverifiable

I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against. I’m a human being first and foremost, and as such, I am for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.

1965 — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

It is impossible for a chicken to produce a duck egg, even though they both belong to the bird family. They have different natures, different characteristics.

1963 — Speech, comparing integration to a 'chicken and duck egg'
Controversial Unverifiable

We declare our right on this earth to be a man, to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.

1963 — Speech, 'Message to the Grassroots'
Controversial Unverifiable

I have more respect for a man who is honest enough to tell me he doesn't like me in my face, than for one who pretends to like me and then stabs me in the back.

1964 — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The media is the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses.

1964 — Interview
Controversial Confirmed

Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in defense of tyranny and oppression, because power, real power, comes from conviction, which produces action, uncompromising action.

1965 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest mistake of the past was that we were always looking for a solution in the white man's house.

1963 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

There can be no peace until all people are treated equally.

1964 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest miracle Christianity has achieved in America is that it has convinced the black man that he is a Christian.

1963 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

All of us have to be on guard against the American nightmare. The American dream for us is a nightmare.

1964 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

We didn’t land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us.

1963 — Speech, 'Message to the Grassroots'
Controversial Unverifiable

You can't hate the roots of a tree and not hate the tree. You can't hate Africa and not hate yourself.

1962 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

The price of freedom is death.

1964 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

Concerning nonviolence, it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks.

1964 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a man of peace, but I believe in peace at any price, even the price of one's own life.

1964 — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it.

1963 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

To hell with the red, white, and blue, if it doesn't mean freedom for the black man.

1963 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way we're going to get some of this racism out of the way is to use whatever means necessary.

1964 — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't see any American dream; I see an American nightmare.

1964 — Speech, 'The Ballot or the Bullet'
Controversial Unverifiable