The actual sight of a first-class house that a Negro has built is ten times more potent than pages of discussion about a house that he ought to build, or perhaps could build.

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

I learned the lesson that great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a spirit of hatred. I resolved then that I would permit no man, no matter what his color, to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.

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

In proportion as one renders service he becomes great.

There are two ways of exerting one's strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.

The wisest among my race understand that agitations of social equality is the extremist folly, and that progress in the enjoyment of all privileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing.