Washington is a coloured man, or because he was born in slavery, but because he has shown, by his work for the elevation of the people of the Black Belt of the South, a genius and a broad humanity which count for greatness in any man, whether his skin be white or black.
Washington is recognized for his contributions to the elevation of his people, transcending racial boundaries.
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More from Booker T. Washington
I have never seen one who did not want to be free, or one who would return to slavery.
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 cannot remember having slept in a bed until after our family was declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation.