Booker T. Washington: “We help you that you may help somebody else, and if you do not do this, when you go out from here, then our work here…”

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.

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.

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

I cannot remember having slept in a bed until after our family was declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation.