We were criticized by many of the old line civil rights groups, who wanted us to just stand there and take a beating from the Ku Klux Kowards, but we would not do it. It did not make any difference if we were publicly denounced by these Uncle Tom preachers, the FBI, or racist politicians. Some thought we were "reckless" or too militant, but it was important to tell the enemy that they would be beaten or killed.

— Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin