I read "Up From Slavery" and then my dream - if I may so call it - of being a race leader dawned.

The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.

A reading man and woman is a ready man and woman, but a writing man and woman is exact.

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.

I have no desire to take all black people back to Africa; there are blacks who are no good here and will likewise be no good there.

We must give up the silly idea of folding our hands and waiting on God to do everything for us. If God had intended for that, then he would not have given us a mind. Whatever you want in life, you must make up your mind to do it for yourself.

Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men.