Booker T. Washington: “In fact, when I left France, I had more faith in the future of the black man in America than I had ever possessed.”

By it a race must rise or fall, succeed or fail, and in the last analysis mere sentiment counts for little.

Wherever our graduates go, the changes which soon begin to appear in the buying of land, improving homes, saving money, in education, and in high moral characters are remarkable.

Despite superficial and temporary signs which might lead one to entertain a contrary opinion, there was never a time when I felt more hopeful for the race than I do at the present.

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.