Malcolm X is without a doubt one of our nation’s greatest, most iconic leaders. He spoke with such conviction on human rights, civil rights, freedom and liberation. He was laid to rest on February 21, 1965, but his words and inspiration are a legacy that will live forever. Here's are some of my favorite quotes that we can all stand to hear today.

1. "I believe in recognizing every human being as a human being-neither white, black, brown, or red; and when you are dealing with humanity as a family there's no question of integration or intermarriage. It's just one human being marrying another human being or one human being living around and with another human being.”

2. “Truly a paradise could exist wherever material progress and spiritual values could be properly balanced.”

3. "I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being, first and foremost, and as such I'm for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole."

4. “You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”

5. “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.”

6. “You don't have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being.”

7. "I believe in human rights for everyone, and none of us is qualified to judge each other and that none of us should”

8. "Early in life I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise.”

9. "You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it."

10. "Our objective is complete freedom, justice and equality by any means necessary."

Thank you, Malcolm, for these words and so many more to always remind us of our humanity. Thank you for teaching us to always fight the necessary fight. Thank you for making noise so far ahead and echoing your voice through history. You are a hero to us all.