Booker T. Washington: “The fact that they did not speak the language, nor understand the customs of the people, made their life just so much…”

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.

I have never seen one who did not want to be free, or one who would return to slavery.

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

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.