Booker T. Washington: “Then, too, I could not see how my conscience would permit me to spare the time from my work and be happy.”

The Negro boy has obstacles, discouragements, and temptations to battle with that are little known to those not situated as he is.

I have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race.

These discussions showed that they understood the situation, and that they kept themselves informed of events by what was termed the “grape-vine” telegraph.

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.