America Quote by Malcolm X
![“[Black nationalism] is not designed to make the black man reevaluate the white man--you know him already--but to make the black man re-evaluate himself. Don't change the white man's mind; you can't change his mind. And that whole thing about appealing to the moral conscience of America--America's…” quote by Malcolm X](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/999/malcolm-x-213_america_black-nationalism-is-not-designed-to-mak_1741004.jpg)
“[Black nationalism] is not designed to make the black man reevaluate the white man--you know him already--but to make the black man re-evaluate himself. Don't change the white man's mind; you can't change his mind. And that whole thing about appealing to the moral conscience of America--America's conscience is bankrupt.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Black Power Movement, 1965
Black nationalism encourages self‑examination within the Black community rather than trying to change white attitudes, because the broader moral conscience is seen as compromised.
In simple terms: Black people should focus on improving themselves, not on changing white people's views.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize internal community growth over external validation.
Themes
self‑reflection
community empowerment
racial identity
political strategy
Mood
defiant
inspirational
Type
political
motivational
When to use this quote
- community workshops
- educational programs
- political activism
Key Concepts
self‑determination
critical consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can Black communities foster self‑growth while engaging with wider society?
- What strategies can bridge internal empowerment with external advocacy?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the need for broader societal change and dialogue.
![“Our success in America will involve two circles: Black Nationalism and Islam–it will take BN [Black Nationalism] to make our people conscious of doing for self & then Islam will provide the spiritual guidance. BN [Black Nationalism] will link us to Africa and Islam will link us spiritually to…” quote by Malcolm X](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/71c/malcolm-x-213_america_our-success-in-america-will-involve-two_2290272.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)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
