“Anytime you have to rely upon your enemy for a job you’re in bad shape.”

— Malcolm X

The Ballot or the Bullet (1964), Speech in Detroit, Michigan (12 April 1964)
Context: So our people not only have to be re-educated to the importance of supporting black business, but the black man himself has to be made aware of the importance of going into business. And once you and I go into business, we own and operate at least the businesses in our community. What we will be doing is developing a situation wherein we will actually be able to create employment for the people in the community. And once you can create some employment in the community where you live it will eliminate the necessity of you and me having to act ignorantly and disgracefully, boycotting and picketing some place else trying to beg him for a job. Anytime you have to rely upon your enemy for a job you’re in bad shape.

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Malcolm X 180

American human rights activist 1925–1965

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