Political Quotes

Booker T. Washington: I am not able to understand how a race that does not own a single steam railroad, that does not own a single street-car…

On the record
I am not able to understand how a race that does not own a single steam railroad, that does not own a single street-car line, that owns hardly a bank, that does not own a single block of houses in a large city--I am not able to understand how such a race as that is in danger of becoming materialized.
Said by
Booker T. Washington

Editor's note · Context

Washington questions the notion that African Americans are at risk of becoming overly materialistic given their lack of ownership in key industries.

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Jan 1, 1901

I pity from the bottom of my heart any nation or body of people that is so unfortunate as to get entangled in the net of slavery.

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I think that the presentation of facts, on a high, dignified plane, is all the begging that most rich people care for.

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Jan 1, 1901

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.

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When they saw that I was not afraid or ashamed to work, they began to assist with more enthusiasm.

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