Booker T. Washington: “Deep down in my heart the whole thing seemed more like a dream than like reality, and for a long time it was difficult…”

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.

I do not know how many have noticed it, but I think that it will be found to be true that there are few instances, either in slavery or freedom, in which a member of my race has been known to betray a specific trust.

Even to this day I can recall accurately the tortures that I underwent when putting on one of these garments.

From the time that I can remember anything, almost every day of my life had been occupied in some kind of labour; though I think I would now be a more useful man if I had had time for sports.