Best of Malcolm X Quotes – Selected top #25

Malcolm X was an American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a powerful voice in the civil rights movement. He was a prominent American civil rights leader and activist during the mid-twentieth century. He is known for his powerful speeches and writings on race, politics, and social justice.

Here are some of the most notable quotes of Malcolm X

1. “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
   “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
2. “If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.”
3. “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.”
4. “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.”
5. “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”
6. “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.”
7. “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 Braz”
8. “Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.”
9. “A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
10. “il, Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba — yes Cuba too.”
11. “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”
12. “We declare our right on this earth…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.”
13. “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.”
14. “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.”
15. “You don’t have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being.”
16. “I believe that there will 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.”
17. “We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.”
18. “Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.”
19. “Without education, you’re not going anywhere in this world.”
20. “We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.”
21. “You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.”
22. “I’m not going to sit at your table and watch you eat, with nothing on my plate, and call myself a diner. Sitting at the table doesn’t make you a diner, unless you eat some of what’s on that plate.”
23. “I don’t even call it violence when it’s in self-defense; I call it intelligence.”
24. “If you have no critics, you’ll likely have no success.”
25. “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.”

Conclusion

After his release from prison, Malcolm X became a prominent leader in the Nation of Islam. He rose through its ranks to become a spokesperson and national representative. He espoused black nationalism, separatism, and self-defense, arguing that African Americans needed to fight for their own liberation from white supremacy and build their own economic and political institutions. His powerful speeches include his famous “The Ballot or the Bullet” speech. He was known for his powerful rhetoric, passionate delivery, and uncompromising stance on issues of race and social justice.
However, Malcolm X became disillusioned with the Nation of Islam’s leadership and teachings, especially after he learned about the moral and financial corruption of its leader, Elijah Muhammad. He left the organization and began to shift his views on racial politics. Later spent his time advocating for international solidarity, human rights, and unity among oppressed people of all races and religions.
Unfortunately, Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, at the age of 39. It was while delivering a speech in New York City. His legacy as a revolutionary and visionary leader of the civil rights movement continues to inspire and influence people around the world. Check this post by EasyBib for more information.