Booker T. Washington: “I want to see you let it shine out, even at the very ends of your fingers, that you are doing your best in everything.”

But taking place at the time it did, and for the reason that it did, no one could ever make me believe that my mother was guilty of thieving.

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.

She was simply a victim of the system of slavery.

From any point of view, I had rather be what I am, a member of the Negro race, than be able to claim membership with the most favoured of any other race.