Black Quote by Fannie Lou Hamer
“We have to build our own power. We have to win every single political office we can, where we have a majority of black people... The question for black people is not, when is the white man going to give us our rights, or when is he going to give us good education for our children, or when is he going to give us jobs-if the white man gives you anything-just remember when he gets ready he will take it right back. We have to take for ourselves.”
About This Quote
The speaker urges self‑determination in political power for Black communities, warning against reliance on external benevolence and emphasizing proactive agency.
In simple terms: Self‑reliance in political empowerment.
Key Takeaway
Collective action secures rights.
Themes
political agency
self‑determination
racial empowerment
community solidarity
historical mistrust
strategic voting
Mood
determined
defiant
hopeful
Type
political rally
social justice call
When to use this quote
- local elections
- grassroots campaigns
- policy advocacy
- community meetings
Key Concepts
political strategy
racial justice
community organization
Practical Applications
- run candidates from within the community
- build independent political infrastructure
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can ensure sustained community control of power?
- How can internal unity be balanced with external alliances?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that collaboration with allies can also achieve progress, but the speaker stresses autonomy over reliance.
![“I met one child there eleven years old, speaking three languages [in Guinea]. He could speak English, French and Malinke. Speaking my language actually better than I could. And this hypocrisy - they tell us here in America [ that black people can't be intelligent].” quote by Fannie Lou Hamer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ef/fannie-lou-hamer-3999_america_i-met-one-child-there-eleven-years-old-s_78966.jpg)
![“... some of my people could have been left [in Africa] and are living there. And I can't understand them and they don't know me and I don't know them because all we had was taken away from us. And I became kind of angry; Ifelt the anger of why this had to happen to us. We were so stripped and…” quote by Fannie Lou Hamer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d38/fannie-lou-hamer-3999_things-happen-for-a_some-of-my-people-could-have-been-left-i_142242.jpg)
