All I demand for the black man is, that the white people shall take their heels off his neck, and let him have a chance to rise by his own efforts.
William Wells BrownThis is called 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'; it is called the 'asylum of the oppressed,' and some have been foolish enough to call it the 'Cradle of Liberty.' If it is the 'Cradle of Liberty,' they have rocked the child to death.
William Wells BrownWhen this boy was brought to Dr. Young, his name being William, the same as mine, my mother was ordered to change mine to something else. This, at the time, I thought to be one of the most cruel acts that could be committed upon my rights.
William Wells Brown