At the bottom of education, at the bottom of politics, even at the bottom of religion, there must be for our race economic independence.

The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts.

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.

Had (I) been a member of a more popular race, I should have been inclined to yield to the temptation of depending upon my ancestry and my colour to do that for me which I should do for myself. Years ago I resolved that because I had no ancestry myself I would leave a record of which my children would be proud, and which might encourage them to still higher effort

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.

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.

In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.