Booker T. Washington: “It is important and right that all privileges of the law be ours, but it is vastly more important that we be prepared…”

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

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.

Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution.

I repeat my belief that the world is growing in the direction of giving.