Speech concerning black people and economic stability, ca. 1970 (Doc 1 of 4)

In short, we must control what exists where we are. We must always strive for the greatest good for the largest number of us. That means trying to control General Motors as much as it means trying to take over the corner Mom and Pop store, although the first is unlikely and the second may simply exchange to color of the neighborhood cheats. If the second is done, however, it may lay the foundation for a series of growth steps for us, leading from our store to our farm to our distribution system to what is most important, money in the pockets of our people. If the first is done, and General Motors through some miracle should fall into our hands, it might mean we could build an automobile that would last for more than eighteen months. If both these adventures are begun, begun seriously with our people in mind and their interests foremost, then something must succeed. [crossed out:] We might take heart here today from a group of Connecticut/California black businessmen who refused to pay poll taxes when they could not vote. They tried to do business in the American tradition and were denied the right to help run their own government.

If nothing does, and if - as it appears it will - times get harder - then we had better seriously prepare to take care of business ourselves.

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