African quotes

Irish Americans are about as Irish as Black Americans are African.

- Bob Geldof
  In the Observer, 22  Jun.

Now, our music is universal. It shares the rhythmic content of African music, music of the Western Hemisphere and various lands of the East, and has merged this rhythm with European harmonies, the soul of the slaves, the blues, and the spirituals to create jazz.

- Dizzy (John Birks) Gillespie
  Dizzy ^ To Be Or Not To Bop (with  Al Fraser),'Evolutions'.

The most striking of all the impressions that I have formed since I left London a month ago is of the strength of African national consciousness. In different places it may take different forms, but it is happening everywhere. The wind of change is blowing through this continent.Whether we like it or not, the growth of national consciousness is a political fact.

-Stockton
  Speech to the South  African Parliament, 3 Feb.

During my lifetime I have dedicated my life to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideals of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hopeto live for, and toseerealized.But My Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.

- Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
  Speech in court, 20  Apr, when charged under the Suppression of Communism  Act and facing the death penalty.