Bases Quote by Malcolm X
“We have a common enemy. We have this in common: We have a common oppressor, a common exploiter, and a common discriminator. But once we all realize that we have this common enemy, then we unite on the basis of what we have in common. And what we have foremost in common is that enemy - the white man. He's an enemy to all of us. I know some of you all think that some of them aren't enemies. Time will tell.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The World Conference of the International Association of Black Women, 1963
Identifies a shared oppressor (the white man) as a unifying enemy, urging solidarity among oppressed groups.
In simple terms: Common oppression can unite disparate groups.
Key Takeaway
Focus on shared struggles to build unity.
Themes
solidarity
oppression
unity
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
political
social
When to use this quote
- civil rights movements
- community organizing
- political activism
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
racial dynamics
collective action
Questions to Reflect On
- What common goals can unite beyond shared oppression?
- How to address internal conflicts while maintaining unity?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on a single enemy may ignore internal divisions.
![“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)
