Booker T. Washington: “I had the feeling that in a large measure my future depended upon the impression I made upon the teacher in the cleaning…”

I think I never saw a community of people so happy over anything as were the coloured people over the prospect of this new building.

The Negro boy has obstacles, discouragements, and temptations to battle with that are little known to those not situated as he is.

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 long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race.