How exciting is it to come to work if the best you can do is trounce some other company that does roughly the same thing?

I am not willing that the vitality of our people be further sapped by the giving of cash, of market baskets, of a few hours of weekly work cutting grass, raking leaves or picking up papers in the public parks. We must preserve not only the bodies of the unemployed from destitution but also their self-respect, their self-reliance and courage and determination.

What is wrong in the world today is that the nations of the world are engaged in a bitter, colossal contest for supremacy.

We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle, nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.

We are determined here in Montgomery to work and fight until justice runs 'down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Prison - far from breaking our spirits - made us more determined to continue with this battle until victory was won.