Booker T. Washington: “Nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities.”

Until that question was asked it had never occurred to me that there was no period of my life that was devoted to play.

Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution.

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.