Even then I had a strong feeling that what our people most needed was to get a foundation in education, industry, and property, and for this I felt that they could better afford to strive than for political preferment.
In his autobiography, Washington explains his early conviction that Black Americans should prioritize practical education, economic self-sufficiency, and property ownership over political office.
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As soon as it was learned that he was not an American Negro, all the signs of indignation disappeared.
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 cannot remember having slept in a bed until after our family was declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation.