From the first, I made my learning, what little it was, useful every way I could.

Studying goes deeper than mere reading. There are surface nuggets to be gathered but the best of the gold is underneath, and it takes time and labor to secure it.

Education is the great American adventure, the world's most colossal democratic experiment.

You white folks have long been eating the white meat of the chicken. We Negroes are now ready for some of the white meat instead of the dark meat.

To those of you with your years of service still ahead, the challenge is yours. Stop doubting yourselves. Have the courage to make up your minds and hold your decisions. Refuse to be BOUGHT for a nickel, or a million dollars, or a job!

Believe in yourself, learn, and never stop wanting to build a better world.

For I am my mother's daughter, and the drums of Africa still beat in my heart.