You must understand the troubles of that man farthest down before you can help him.

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

No one can degrade us except ourselves.

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.

The time will come when the Negro in the South will be accorded all the political rights which his ability, character, and material possessions entitle him to.

There is no defense or security for any of us except in the highest intelligence and development of all.

Political activity alone cannot make a man free. Back of the ballot, he must have property, industry, skill, economy, intelligence, and character.