Booker T. Washington: “If I have spoken to you thus plainly and frankly, it is that our progress in the future may be still greater than it has…”

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

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

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.

When freedom came, the slaves were almost as well fitted to begin life anew as the master, except in the matter of book-learning and ownership of property.