Booker T. Washington: “That is a great mistake, because nobody understands them, and they do not understand themselves.”

Even the most ignorant members of my race on the remote plantations felt in their hearts, with a certainty that admitted of no doubt, that the freedom of the slaves would be the one great result of the war, if the Northern armies conquered.

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.

No one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction, and, besides, it was recognized and protected for years by the General Government.

I repeat my belief that the world is growing in the direction of giving.