"You're either part of the solution or you're part of the problem."
This quote by Fred Hampton asserts that individuals should actively contribute to resolving societal issues, rather than passively observing or exacerbating them. It suggests a binary approach where one is either contributing positively (part of the solution) or negatively (part of the problem). The quote encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and consider their role in effecting change, thereby fostering a sense of accountability and proactivity among people.
"We've got to face the fact that some people say you fight fire best with fire, but we say you put fire out best with water. The same way, you don't fight racism with racism. You fight it with solidarity. We serve notice on the racist American government that it is now under attack by black people."
Fred Hampton's quote emphasizes a non-violent approach to fighting racial injustice, asserting that fire (racism) should not be met with more fire (more racism). Instead, he suggests using water (solidarity), symbolizing unity, understanding, and empathy as the most effective weapons against discrimination. Essentially, Hampton is advocating for a powerful and peaceful response to racism through community support and unity among people of all races, rather than retaliation or further division.
"The revolution has got to be a revolution of love. If we are going to change America, we're going to have to pull off the greatest nonviolent revolution in the history of the world. Love is a strong word. As strong as 'hate'... Love can be a verb; that's a powerful word."
Fred Hampton suggests that the path to revolutionary change, especially in America, must be rooted in love rather than hate. He views love not merely as an emotion but also as an action - a powerful force capable of driving profound societal transformation. In other words, he advocates for a nonviolent revolution fueled by acts of love and kindness, which he believes is the most potent means to bring about change in the world.
"We want power to determine the destiny of our Black and Brown bodies, and our love will not permit us to kill our own."
This quote by Fred Hampton underscores the pursuit of self-determination and empowerment among Black and Brown communities. He asserts that they want the power to control their own destiny, free from external influence or oppression. Crucially, he emphasizes a commitment to non-violence towards one's own people, grounding his message in love and unity. This quote serves as a powerful call for social justice and equality, expressing a desire for self-rule, dignity, and harmony within the community.
"It is the job of the revolutionist to humanize this inhumane system."
This quote by Fred Hampton emphasizes that revolutionaries must work towards making a cruel or oppressive system more compassionate, just, and humane. They strive to challenge existing inequalities and injustices by creating change that benefits all people, rather than just the privileged few. The focus is on humanizing society, ensuring every individual's dignity, rights, and well-being are respected, protected, and prioritized.
We ain't gonna fight no reactionary pigs who run up and down the street being reactionary; we're gonna organize and dedicate ourselves to revolutionary political power and teach ourselves the specific needs of resisting the power structure, arm ourselves, and we're gonna fight reactionary pigs with international proletarian revolution.
- Fred Hampton
Black people need some peace. White people need some peace. And we are going to have to fight. We're going to have to struggle. We're going to have to struggle relentlessly to bring about some peace, because the people that we're asking for peace, they are a bunch of megalomaniac warmongers, and they don't even understand what peace means.
- Fred Hampton
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