There is a higher law than the law of government. That's the law of conscience.

The quote, "There is a higher law than the law of government. That's the law of conscience," by Stokely Carmichael, emphasizes the importance of individual conscience over the laws imposed by government. Carmichael, a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement and later a figure in the Black Power movement, is arguing that moral and ethical principles, driven by one's inner sense of what is right, should take precedence over the laws of the state, particularly when those laws are unjust. He is advocating for the idea that justice is not defined solely by government authority but by a deeper, universal sense of right and wrong.

Carmichael’s statement reflects his broader belief in the need for individual resistance and civil disobedience when government laws are oppressive or discriminatory. During the Civil Rights Movement, many activists, including Carmichael, believed that government laws often perpetuated injustice, especially for Black Americans, and therefore individuals had the moral obligation to defy those laws if they violated basic human rights. This quote suggests that conscience—the moral compass that guides actions in alignment with ethical principles—should challenge and, when necessary, oppose government policies that are unjust.

The origin of this quote comes from Carmichael's broader commitment to social justice and anti-colonial struggle. His involvement in movements like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and his later work with the Black Panther Party were fueled by his belief that moral action was necessary to challenge systemic racism and inequality. His call for conscience over government law was rooted in the idea that true freedom and justice required confronting government oppression.

This quote remains significant today, particularly in discussions about civil disobedience, moral law, and governmental authority. It serves as a reminder that justice is not always synonymous with the laws passed by the government and that individuals have a moral duty to stand up against unjust systems. Carmichael's words challenge the idea of blindly following authority and encourage people to listen to their own conscience when the laws of the land conflict with basic human rights and moral integrity.