I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect.

I don't like needing anyone for anything.

Are you looking for a Negro who won't fight back?

I'm not goin' anywhere, I'm right here!

It's not easy to be a martyr in the field of race relations.

How you played in yesterday's game is all that counts.

You're going to be a great player, kid.

The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time.

Baseball is like a poker game. Nobody wants to quit when he's losing; nobody wants you to quit when you're ahead.

Above anything else, I hate to lose.

I know that I am a black man in a white world. . . I know that I never had it made.

This ain't fun. But you watch me, I'll get it done.

Life is not a spectator sport.

Relationships may change throughout the gift of time, memories stay the same forever in my mind.

I am not concerned with being liked or disliked. I am concerned with being respected

I don’t think it matters what I believe, only what I do.

Life isn't significant except for its impact on others' lives.

The most luxurious possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his dignity.

There's not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.