Booker T. Washington: “Some of these people who will come here are ignorant, so far as books are concerned, but I want you to know that not…”

Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution.

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.

I think I never saw a community of people so happy over anything as were the coloured people over the prospect of this new building.

But taking place at the time it did, and for the reason that it did, no one could ever make me believe that my mother was guilty of thieving.