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[We propose to] hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. And we do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members.

Margaret Sanger#26

RaceEducationReligion

About this quote

What does it mean?
Hiring a few Black ministers with social‑service backgrounds can help educate the Negro community through religious appeal and counter any extremist ideas.
In plain terms
Use Black religious leaders to educate and prevent radical thoughts.
What can you take from it?
Employ culturally relevant clergy for community outreach.

Where it applies

  • church outreach
  • community organizing

Putting it to work

  • recruit ministers
  • design faith‑based programs

Questions to consider

  • How effective are religious appeals in modern education?
  • What alternatives exist for community engagement?

Another view

The language reflects dated racial terminology and stereotypes.

More from Margaret Sanger

  1. ...give dysgenic groups in our population their choice of segregation or sterilization.[1]

    Permalink to quote #25
  2. The third group [of society] are those irresponsible and reckless ones having little regard for the consequences of their acts, or whose religious scruples pre…

    Permalink to quote #27
  3. The campaign for birth control is not merely of eugenic value, but is practically identical with the final aims of eugenics.

    Permalink to quote #24

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