Begging Quote by Malcolm X
“As long as the factories are in the hands of the whites, the housing is in the hands of the whites, the school system is in the hands of the whites, you have a situation where the blacks are constantly begging the whites can they use this or can they use that. That's not any kind of equality of opportunity, nor does it lend toward one's dignity.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: "The Black Revolution", 1965
Systemic control by one race creates unequal opportunities and dehumanizes the other
In simple terms: White control over institutions denies equal opportunity and dignity to Black people.
Key Takeaway
Fight for equitable access and human dignity.
Themes
justice
racial inequality
dignity
Mood
urgent
hopeful
Type
political
activist
When to use this quote
- education reform
- housing policy
- employment equity
- community organizing
Key Concepts
systemic racism
power structures
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities dismantle systemic barriers?
- What role does allyship play in achieving equality?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched power requires collective action and policy change.
![“If I may add, for instance, [Martin Luther] King and these others will say that they are fighting for the Negro to have equal job opportunity. How can people, a group of people, such as our people, who own no factories, have equal job opportunities competing against the race that owns the…” quote by Malcolm X](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fef/malcolm-x-213_add_if-i-may-add-for-instance-martin-luther_1925176.jpg)
![“Adam Clayton Powell's entire political career has to be looked at in the entire context of the American history and the history of, and the position of the Afro- American or negro in American history. [He] has done a remarkable job in fighting for rights of black people in this country. On the…” quote by Malcolm X](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/caa/malcolm-x-213_adam_adam-clayton-powell-s-entire-political-c_6932.jpg)
