Booker T. Washington: “Whenever you are tempted to yield a hair's breadth in the direction which I have indicated, ask yourself the question…”

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.

From any point of view, I had rather be what I am, a member of the Negro race, than be able to claim membership with the most favoured of any other race.

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

This tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.