If my life in the past has meant anything in the lifting up of my people and the bringing about of better relations between your race and mine, I assure you from this day it will mean doubly more.
Booker T. Washington: “If my life in the past has meant anything in the lifting up of my people and the bringing about of better relations…”
Editor's note · Context
From his autobiography, he reflects on his past work and pledges continued dedication to racial uplift and harmony.
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The picture of several dozen boys and girls in a schoolroom engaged in study made a deep impression upon me, and I had the feeling that to get into a schoolhouse and study in this way would be about the same as getting into paradise.
This tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.
The Negro boy has obstacles, discouragements, and temptations to battle with that are little known to those not situated as he is.
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.