Every race and every nation should be judged by the best it has been able to produce, not by the worst.

And so for a couple of years my life was divided between my music and my school books.

The Southern whites are in many respects a great people. Looked at from a certain point of view, they are picturesque. If one will put oneself in a romantic frame of mind, one can admire their notions of chivalry and bravery and justice.

The peculiar fascination which the South held over my imagination and my limited capital decided me in favor of Atlanta University; so about the last of September I bade farewell to the friends and scenes of my boyhood and boarded a train for the South.

This country can have no more democracy than it accords and guarantees to the humblest and weakest citizen.

Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty. Let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies; Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

O Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?