M.S. Handler, Introduction to Malcolm X

‘…forces in a developing social struggle are frequently buried beneath the visible surface and make themselves felt in many ways long before they burst out into the open. 

These generative forces make themselves felt through the power of an idea long before their organizational forms can openly challenge the establishment.  It is the merit of European political ideas in a sociologists to give high priority to the power of ideas in a social struggle.

In the United States, it is our weakness to confuse the numerical strength of an organization and the publicity attached to leaders with the germinating forces that sow the seeds of social upheaval in our community.’