One man cannot hold another man down in the ditch without remaining down in the ditch with him.

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

Character is power.

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

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.

I believe that my race will succeed in proportion as it learns to do a common thing in an uncommon manner; learns to do a thing so thoroughly that no one can improve upon what it has done; learns to make its services of indispensable value.

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.