Frederick Douglass: “It was to me the starting-point of a new existence.”

This part of our destiny is in our own hands.

The hardships and dangers involved in the struggle give strength and toughness to the character, and enable it to stand firm in storm as well as in sunshine.

The fact that we have endured wrongs and hardships, which would have destroyed any other race, and have increased in numbers and public consideration, ought to strengthen our faith in ourselves and our future.

The conditions of success are universal and unchangeable.