"The time had come for someone to take a stand, and I decided that I would be that someone."

"As I look back on that day, it is clear that it was a day when the hand of God was upon me."

"I was a person with dignity and self-respect, and I should not set my sights lower than anybody else just because I was black."

"I do not advocate violence; nor do I condemn those who would use violence to protect themselves."

"The time for equality is always now."