Al Sharpton

“When people discuss the 1960s and the great Civil Rights Era, they often speak in romantic terms as if there wasn't immense work put in, and as if there wasn't immense sacrifice that took place. But none of those battles were easily fought and won; there were sustained movements behind them.”

“All women, regardless of her economic status or racial background, have a right to vote, and no politician or regressive law should prevent her from doing so.”

“I can call a march, and thousands come out, and I happen to have access to the White House at the same time.”

“My ministry's always been one of social activism. I think a responsible minister must be at some levels involved in the social order.”

“I've been able to reach from the streets to the suites.”

“Bill Clinton strikes me as the kind of guy who goes wherever the polls lead him, rather than leading the polls.”

“The resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder is met with both pride and disappointment by the Civil Rights community. We are proud that he has been the best Attorney General on Civil Rights in U.S. history and disappointed because he leaves at a critical time when we need his continued diligence most.”

“Demonstrations must be dignified and nonviolent, as the overwhelming protests in Ferguson and Staten Island have been. Do not confuse anarchists who don't want the system to work and thugs who want to exploit a situation with the majority who from day one have operated with impeccable nonviolence and clear goals.”

“If O.J. had been accused of killing his black wife, you would not have seen the same passion stirred up.”

“Countries around the world have their own immigration laws and methods of dealing with a recurring theme: desperate people searching for peace from volatile parts of the world. And nations everywhere thrive and prosper from the contributions of immigrants and the children of immigrants - including right here in the U.S.”

“Following Michael Brown's death, I went to Ferguson and met with his parents. I stood with them as they tried to hold their heads high and deal with both their immense loss and the larger issues of police-community relations.”

“Who defines terrorists? Today's terrorist is tomorrow's friend.”

“During my 2004 presidential campaign, I was fond of saying that it was high time for the Christian right to meet the right Christians.”

“Dr. King's general principles are universal. But the things he confronted took place in another era.”

“I've learned how to measure what I say. Al Sharpton in 1986 was trying to be heard. I was a local guy and was like, 'Y'all are ignoring us.'”

“I could have easily been a statistic. Growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., it was easy - a little too easy - to get into trouble. Surrounded by poor schools, lack of resources, high unemployment rates, poverty, gangs and more, I watched as many of my peers fell victim to a vicious cycle of diminished opportunities and imprisonment.”

“If you can get the proper definition of trouble, then we can find out who the real troublemakers are.”

“I was the first candidate to come out against this war, spoke at every anti-war march.”

“The right wing always mobilizes around constitutional amendments: the right to bear arms, school prayer.”

“I was there during the first elections in South Africa. I watched them take down the apartheid flag and raise the new flag.”