Those who constantly direct attention to the Negro youth’s moral weaknesses, and compare his advancement with that of white youths, do not consider the influence of the memories which cling about the old family homesteads.
Washington critiques those who unfairly judge Black youth's progress without acknowledging the historical disadvantages and lack of inherited family stability.
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More from Booker T. Washington
The hurtful influences of the institution were not by any means confined to the Negro.
I cannot remember having slept in a bed until after our family was declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation.
These discussions showed that they understood the situation, and that they kept themselves informed of events by what was termed the “grape-vine” telegraph.
Despite this disappointment, however, I determined that I would learn something, anyway.