Revolutionary Black Liberation Leader in the U.S.
1925-1965
"I must say this once before we
close. I don’t want you to think
that I’m coming back here to
rabble-rouse, or to get somebody
excited. I don’t think you have
to excite our people; the man
already has excited us. And I don’t
want you to think that I’m ready
for some unintelligent action, or
some irresponsible action, or for
just any old thing just to be doing
something. No. I hope that all of
us can sit down with a cool head
and a clear mind and analyze
the situation, in the back room,
anywhere, analyze the situation;
and after we give the proper
analysis of what we’re confronted
by, then let us be bold enough to
take whatever steps that analysis
says must be taken. Once we get
it, then let’s do it, and we’ll be
able to get some kind of result in
this freedom struggle.
But don’t let anybody who is
oppressing us ever lay the ground
rules. Don’t go by their game,
don’t play the game by their
rules.
From Malcolm X Speach at the Organization of Afro-American
Unity Homecoming Rally
(November 29, 1964)
