Malcolm X:
What kind of message are you sending, though, by doing one show for white folks and a completely different show for black folks, Sam?
[Sam laughs]
Malcolm X:
No, listen to me, you're performing in places where the only black people not on stage are the ones serving the food.
Sam Cooke:
Don't you think I know that? I can't tell you how many times I wanted to reach out and punch somebody.
Malcolm X:
Then, then, then, then strike with the weapon that you have, man: your voice! Black people, we, we standing up! We, we speaking out!
Sam Cooke:
Umm hm.
Malcolm X:
Sam, you have possibly one of the most effective, beautiful outlets of us all. You're not using it to help the cause, brother.
Sam Cooke:
The hell I'm not! I got the masters to my songs. I started a label, I'm producing tons of black artists. Don't you think my determining my own creative and business destiny is every bit as inspiring to people as you standing up on a podium trying to piss 'em off?
