“The highest test of the civilization of any race is in its willingness to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate.”

The thing to do when one feels sure that he has said or done the right thing and is condemned, is to stand still and keep quiet. If he is right, time will show it.

It is important and right that all privileges of the law be ours, but it is vastly more important that we be prepared for the exercise of those privileges.

Leaders have devoted themselves to politics, little knowing, it seems that political independence disappears without economic independence that economic independence is the foundation of political independence.

Ignorance is more costly to any State than education.

Dignify and glorify common labor. It is at the bottom of life that we must begin, not at the top.

Let our opportunities overshadow our grievances.

The individual who can do something that the world wants done will, in the end, make his way regardless of his race.

Remember that everyone’s life is measured by the power that individual has to make the world better-this is all life is.

We all should rise, above the clouds of ignorance, narrowness, and selfishness.

The negro has within him immense power for self-uplifting, but for years it will be necessary to guide and stimulate him.

I pity from the bottom of my heart any nation or body of people that is so unfortunate as to get entangled in the net of slavery.

Character is power.

Each one should remember there is a chance for him.

I think I have learned that the best way to lift one’s self up is to help someone else.

Progress, progress is the law of nature; under God it shall be our eternal guiding star.

Start where you are with what you have, knowing that what you have is plenty enough.