Booker T. Washington: “I felt that the Reconstruction policy, so far as it related to my race, was in a large measure on a false foundation…”

I knew that if we failed it would injure the whole race.

Before the end of the year, I think I began learning that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.

I cannot remember having slept in a bed until after our family was declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation.

When freedom came, the slaves were almost as well fitted to begin life anew as the master, except in the matter of book-learning and ownership of property.