In This Article
About Malcolm X
100 Top Quotes by Malcolm X in English
- “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
- “I believe that there will be ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those who do the oppressing. 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 system of exploitation. I believe that there will be that kind of clash, but I don’t think it will be based on the color of the skin.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
- “We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.”
- “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
- “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.”
- “Don’t be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn’t do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn’t know what you know today.”
- “We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.”
- “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”
- “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.”
- “The price of freedom is death.”
- “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”
- “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”
- “The only way we’ll get freedom for ourselves is to identify ourselves with every oppressed people in the world. We are blood brothers to the people of Brazil, Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba — yes Cuba too.”
- “I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he’s wrong. Than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.”
- “I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.”
- “You can’t legislate good will – that comes through education.”
- “You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.”
- “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.”
- “The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.”
- “Racism is like a Cadillac, they bring out a new model every year.”
- “I have often reflected upon the new vistas that reading opened to me. I knew right there in prison that reading had changed forever the course of my life. As I see it today, the ability to read awoke in me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive.”
- “My alma mater was books, a good library… I could spend
- “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.”
- “Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.”
- “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”
- “Without education, you’re not going anywhere in this world.”
- “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 system of exploitation.”
- “The media’s 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.”
- “I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls.”
- “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.”
- “I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.”
- “We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.”
- “I believe in the brotherhood of man, all men, but I don’t believe in brotherhood with anybody who doesn’t want brotherhood with me. I believe in treating people right, but I’m not going to waste my time trying to treat somebody right who doesn’t know how to return the treatment.”
FAQs:
Who was Malcolm X?
Malcolm X was an American Muslim minister and human rights activist who played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s.
When was Malcolm X born?
Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska.
What is Malcolm X known for?
Malcolm X is known for his advocacy of black pride and his support for the separatist movement known as the Nation of Islam. He was also a powerful orator and his speeches and writings continue to inspire people around the world.
What was the Nation of Islam?
The Nation of Islam was a religious and political movement that was founded in the early 20th century in the United States. The movement was dedicated to the upliftment of black people and advocated for the separation of black and white Americans.
How did Malcolm X’s views change over time?
Malcolm X’s views evolved over time. He began as a member of the Nation of Islam and advocated for black separatism and self-defense. Later in life, he broke away from the Nation of Islam and embraced a more inclusive approach to civil rights, advocating for cooperation between black and white Americans.
What is the significance of Malcolm X’s autobiography?
Malcolm X’s autobiography, co-authored by Alex Haley, is considered one of the most important works of African American literature. It provides a powerful insight into Malcolm X’s life and his journey from a troubled youth to a powerful voice for human rights.
What was Malcolm X’s role in the Civil Rights Movement?
Malcolm X played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement by advocating for the rights of black Americans and calling attention to the systemic racism and oppression faced by the black community. He also encouraged black pride and self-reliance.
How did Malcolm X die?
Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, while giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, New York City. The assassins were members of the Nation of Islam.
What is the legacy of Malcolm X?
Malcolm X’s legacy includes his contribution to the Civil Rights Movement, his powerful speeches and writings, and his advocacy for human rights and social justice. He continues to be a source of inspiration and a symbol of the struggle for racial equality.
How did Malcolm X’s ideas influence the Black Power movement?
Malcolm X’s ideas had a significant influence on the Black Power movement, which emerged in the late 1960s. His advocacy for black pride, self-defense, and self-reliance inspired many young black activists to embrace a more militant approach to civil rights and to challenge the status quo.
