I am not ashamed of my past. I am not ashamed of my humble beginning.

I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations....I have built my own factory on my own ground.

I want the great masses of my people to take a greater pride in their personal appearance and to give their hair proper attention.

I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.

I am not merely satisfied in making money for myself, for I am endeavoring to provide employment for hundreds of women of my race. ... I want to say to every Negro woman present, don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!

I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.

Perseverance is my motto.