The speech

THE future of American negroes is in the South... Reason can and will prevail; but of course it can only prevail with publicity - pitiless, blatant publicity. You have got to make the people of the United States and of the world know what is going on in the South. You have got to use every field of publicity to force the truth into their ears and before their eyes. You have got to make it impossible for any human being to live in the South and not realise the barbarities that prevail here.

You may be condemned for flamboyant methods; for waving your grievances under the noses of the faces of men. That makes no difference. It is your duty to do it.

Here is the chance for young women and young men of devotion to lift again the banner of humanity and to walk toward a civilisation which will be free and intelligent; which will be healthy and unafraid; and build in the world a culture led by black folk and joined by peoples of all colours and all races - without poverty, ignorance and disease!