Booker T. Washington: “If the boy who milks cows now does that thoroughly, by doing it he may lay the foundation to go to Congress later.”

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 have great faith in the power and influence of facts.

From the time that I can remember anything, almost every day of my life had been occupied in some kind of labour; though I think I would now be a more useful man if I had had time for sports.

As soon as it was learned that he was not an American Negro, all the signs of indignation disappeared.