Besides, the general political agitation drew the attention of our people away from the more fundamental matters of perfecting themselves in the industries at their doors and in securing property.
Washington argues that excessive political focus during Reconstruction diverted African Americans from essential pursuits of industrial skill and property acquisition.
Share
More from Booker T. Washington
How shall we make the mansion on yon Beacon Street feel and see the need of the spirits in the lowliest cabin in Alabama cotton-fields or Louisiana sugar-bottoms?
By it a race must rise or fall, succeed or fail, and in the last analysis mere sentiment counts for little.
This country demands that every race shall measure itself by the American standard.
Despite superficial and temporary signs which might lead one to entertain a contrary opinion, there was never a time when I felt more hopeful for the race than I do at the present.