If you haven't got it, you can't show it. If you have got it, you can't hide it.

Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the grand-daughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me. Slaver y is sixty years in the past. The operation was successful and the patient is doing well, thank you. The terrible struggle that made me an American out of a potential slave said "On the line!" The Reconstruction said "Go!" I am off to a flying start and I must not halt in the stretch to look behind and weep.

truth is a letter from courage!

Africa has her mouth on Moses.

Don't you love nobody better'n you do yo'self. Do, you'll be dying befo' yo' time is out.

Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me.

It is hard to apply oneself to study when there is no money to pay for food and lodging. I almost never explain these things when folks are asking me why I don't do this or that.