Booker T. Washington: “We cannot keep a student here unless he counts for one.”

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.

No one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction, and, besides, it was recognized and protected for years by the General Government.

Despite this disappointment, however, I determined that I would learn something, anyway.

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.