Booker T. Washington: “Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him.”

But taking place at the time it did, and for the reason that it did, no one could ever make me believe that my mother was guilty of thieving.

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.

From any point of view, I had rather be what I am, a member of the Negro race, than be able to claim membership with the most favoured of any other race.

I cannot remember having slept in a bed until after our family was declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation.