Praying for freedom never did me any good til I started praying with my feet.

A man, at times, gets something for nothing, but it will, in his hands, amount to nothing.

From my earliest recollection, I date the entertainment of a deep conviction that slavery would not always be able to hold me within its foul embrace; and in the darkest hours of my career in slavery, this living word of faith and spirit of hope departed not from me, but remained like ministering angels to cheer me through the gloom. This good spirit was from God, and to him I offer thanksgiving and praise.

There is no negro problem. The problem is whether the American people have loyalty enough, honor enough, patriotism enough, to live up to their own constitution

Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done.

The destiny of the colored American ... is the destiny of America.

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.