The principal challenge of the next phase of the Negro revolution is to make certain that equality of results will now follow. If we do not, there will be no social peace in the United States for generations.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s quote addresses the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States, particularly in the context of the Negro revolution during the Civil Rights Movement. By referring to the next phase of the movement, Moynihan suggests that while progress had been made in securing equality of opportunity, the next critical challenge was to ensure that these opportunities resulted in tangible, equal outcomes for African Americans. He argues that without achieving equality of results, the movement's goals would remain incomplete, and racial disparities would persist.

The phrase "if we do not, there will be no social peace" reflects Moynihan’s concern that failing to address the systemic inequalities in society would lead to ongoing tension and unrest. He implies that social peace—the idea of a stable and harmonious society—cannot be achieved unless the country addresses the racial disparities that continue to exist in terms of education, employment, housing, and overall living conditions for African Americans. Without real change in results, the promises of equality would be meaningless, and social division would continue.

Moynihan’s quote also highlights the difference between equality of opportunity and equality of results. Equality of opportunity refers to the idea that everyone should have the same chances, but equality of results demands that those chances translate into real, measurable improvements in people’s lives. This distinction points to the deeper, structural changes required to level the playing field, rather than simply offering access to opportunities that may not yield equal outcomes.

The origin of this quote lies in Moynihan’s work as a sociologist and his involvement in the U.S. government during the 1960s. As a policy advisor, he wrote extensively on race relations and the challenges of achieving true equality in America. His famous report, "The Moynihan Report" (1965), explored issues related to African American families and the broader social challenges of racism, and this quote reflects his concerns about the need for comprehensive social reform to achieve meaningful equality.