Malcolm X (1992)

Christopher Plummer: Chaplain Gill

Quotes 

• Malcolm X : We were discussing the disciples. What color were they?

  Chaplain Gill : Well, I don't think we know that for certain.

  Malcolm X : But they were Hebrews, were they not?

  Chaplain Gill : That's right.

  Malcolm X : As was Jesus. Jesus was also a Hebrew.

  Chaplain Gill : Why don't you just ask your question.

  Malcolm X : What color were the original Hebrews?

  Chaplain Gill : I have told you - that we don't know that for certain.

  Malcolm X : Then you can't believe for certain - that Jesus was white.

  Chaplain Gill : Just - just a moment. Just a moment. God is white.

  [pointing to a painting of a white Jesus hanging on the wall] 

  Chaplain Gill : Isn't it obvious?

  Malcolm X : Well, that

  [nodding to the painting] 

  Malcolm X : is obvious, but we don't know if it's obvious that God is white. The honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches us that Jesus did not have blond hair and blue eyes. The honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches us that the images of Jesus that are on prison walls and churches throughout the world are not historically correct; because, history teaches us that Jesus was born in a region where the people had color. There's proof in the very Bible that you've asked us to read in Revelations, first chapter, verses 14 and 15, that Jesus had hair like wool and feet the color of brass.

  Chaplain Gill : Just - just what're you saying?

  Malcolm X : l'm not saying anything. l'm proving to you that Jesus was *not*, and I quote one of my lndian brothers here, he was not a paleface. Amen.

• Chaplain Gill : Want a smoke? Do you know what a friend you have in Jesus?

  Malcolm X : A friend? He's a friend, huh, Chappy? Well, if he's such a friend, where is he? Huh? What has he done for me? A friend? I tell you what you do, Chappy. You tell him to call me. Call me and tell me what kind of friend he is. Solitary 2-2-6-2-7. What he done for me Chappy? Huh!

• Chaplain Gill : [in response to Malcolm raising his hand]  I can see this has become a struggle between good and evil. *Satan* has a question.

  Malcolm X : [chuckles]  Yes, sir, Chaplain Gill, but since neither one of us are God, I don't think either one of us are in any position to say who is good and who's evil.