In this connection I have never been able to understand how the slaves throughout the South, completely ignorant as were the masses so far as books or newspapers were concerned, were able to keep themselves so accurately and completely informed about the great National questions that were agitating the country.
Washington expresses his wonder at how enslaved people, despite lacking formal education and access to media, remained well-informed about national political issues.
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More from Booker T. Washington
These discussions showed that they understood the situation, and that they kept themselves informed of events by what was termed the “grape-vine” telegraph.
I think that the presentation of facts, on a high, dignified plane, is all the begging that most rich people care for.
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.