Booker T. Washington

I was supremely happy in the opportunity of being able to assist somebody else.

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

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

As a rule, not only did the members of my race entertain no feelings of bitterness against the whites before and during the war, but there are many instances of Negroes tenderly caring for their former masters and mistresses who for some…

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

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.

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.

Ever since I have been old enough to think for myself, I have entertained the idea that, notwithstanding the cruel wrongs inflicted upon us, the black man got nearly as much out of slavery as the white man did.

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

The whole machinery of slavery was so constructed as to cause labour, as a rule, to be looked upon as a badge of degradation, of inferiority.

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

I felt that I had reached the promised land, and I resolved to let no obstacle prevent me from putting forth the highest effort to fit myself to accomplish the most good in the world.