Booker T. Washington: “I had associated them with the Negro of the past, not with the Negro…”

On the record

I had associated them with the Negro of the past, not with the Negro who was struggling upward.

Said by

Booker T. Washington

Source

Washington reflects on the perception of African Americans in his time, emphasizing their progress beyond historical stereotypes.

More from Booker T. Washington

Jan 1, 1901

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

Jan 1, 1901

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

Jan 1, 1901

Even to this day I can recall accurately the tortures that I underwent when putting on one of these garments.

Jan 1, 1901

She was simply a victim of the system of slavery.

Booker T. Washington: “I had associated them with the Negro of the past, not with the Negro who was struggling upward.”