Booker T. Washington

As soon as it was learned that he was not an American Negro, all the signs of indignation disappeared.

When they saw that I was not afraid or ashamed to work, they began to assist with more enthusiasm.

I think I never saw a community of people so happy over anything as were the coloured people over the prospect of this new building.

I knew that if we failed it would injure the whole race.

I think that the presentation of facts, on a high, dignified plane, is all the begging that most rich people care for.

I repeat my belief that the world is growing in the direction of giving.

I have always looked upon fame as something to be used in accomplishing good.

Even the most ignorant members of my race on the remote plantations felt in their hearts, with a certainty that admitted of no doubt, that the freedom of the slaves would be the one great result of the war, if the Northern armies conquered.

Even to this day I can recall accurately the tortures that I underwent when putting on one of these garments.

This tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.

I pity from the bottom of my heart any nation or body of people that is so unfortunate as to get entangled in the net of slavery.

To some it seemed that, now that they were in actual possession of it, freedom was a more serious thing than they had expected to find it.