The ignorant whites had every chance to learn, but didn’t; we had every chance to remain ignorant, and many of us learned in spite of them.
Whitelaw Reid: “The ignorant whites had every chance to learn, but didn’t; we had every chance to remain ignorant, and many of us…”
Editor's note · Context
This quote contrasts the opportunities for learning available to different racial groups, highlighting disparities in motivation and access.
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Our national experience has demonstrated that public order reposes most securely on the broad base of universal suffrage.
It is my firm conviction, that suffrage is not only the best security for freedom, but the most potent agent of amelioration and civilization.
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