Booker T. Washington: “What position in State, in letters, or in commerce and in business the offspring of that man is to occupy must be left…”

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.

From the time that I can remember anything, almost every day of my life had been occupied in some kind of labour; though I think I would now be a more useful man if I had had time for sports.

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