Who said “If you're not ready to die for it, put the word ''freedom'' out of your vocabulary.”?

Disputed

It's credited to Malcolm X, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for Malcolm X.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“If you're not ready to die for it, put the word ''freedom'' out of your vocabulary.”
— Malcolm X
DisputedNo reliable early source found for Malcolm X. · evidenceFreedom
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Cite this quote

APA

“If you're not ready to die for it, put the word ''freedom'' out of your vocabulary.” [Quotation attributed to Malcolm X]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/11385-if-youre-not-ready-to-die-for-it/

MLA

“If you're not ready to die for it, put the word ''freedom'' out of your vocabulary.” Attributed to Malcolm X. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/11385-if-youre-not-ready-to-die-for-it/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“If you're not ready to die for it, put the word ''freedom'' out of your vocabulary.” Attributed to Malcolm X. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/11385-if-youre-not-ready-to-die-for-it/.

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“You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”
VerifiedSpeech in New York City (7 January 1965) · evidenceDetails & citeFreedom
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“Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it.”
VerifiedMalcolm X Speaks (1965) · evidenceDetails & citeFreedom
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“Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.”
VerifiedMalcolm X Speaks (1965) · evidenceDetails & citeAdversity
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“I believe in a religion that believes in freedom. Any time I have to accept a religion that won't let me fight a battle for my people, I say to hell with that religion.”
VerifiedBy Any Means Necessary (1970) · evidenceDetails & citeFreedom
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“Sitting at the table doesn't make you a diner, unless you eat some of what's on that plate. Being here in America doesn't make you an American. Being born here in America doesn't make you an American.”
VerifiedMalcolm X Speaks (1965) · evidenceDetails & citeAmerica
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All 25 Malcolm X quotes →