Poverty, ignorance and degradation are the combined evils, these constitute the social disease of the free colored people of the US.

Who would be free themselves must strike the blow. Better even to die free than to live slaves.

This war, disguise it as they may, is virtually nothing more or less than perpetual slavery against universal freedoms.

What I ask for the Negro is not benevolence, not pity, not sympathy, but simply justice.

Opportunity is important but exertion is indispensable.

I will unite with anyone to do good, but with no one to do harm.

Everybody has asked the question, ... 'What shall we do with the Negro?' I have had but one answer from the beginning. Do nothing with us! You're doing with us has already played the mischief with us. Do nothing with us! If the apples will not remain on the tree of their own strength, ... let them fall! I am not for tying or fastening them on the tree in any way, except by nature's plan, and if they will not stay there, let them fall. And if the Negro cannot stand on his own legs, let him fall also.