Booker T. Washington: “This Negro had been given a chance to get upon his feet.”

When they saw that I was not afraid or ashamed to work, they began to assist with more enthusiasm.

I have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race.

The Negro boy has obstacles, discouragements, and temptations to battle with that are little known to those not situated as he is.

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.