William Wells Brown

Even a name by which to be known among men, slavery had denied me.

Despotism increases in severity with the number of despots; the responsibility is more divided, and the claims are more numerous. (Chapter XX)

sad to say, Jefferson is not the only American statesman who has spoken high-sounding words in favour of freedom, and then left his own children to die slaves. (Chapter XVII)

Known to God only is the amount of human agony and suffering which sends its cry from the slave markets and Negro pens, unheard and unheeded by man up to his ear; mothers weeping for their children, breaking the night-silence with the …

The appearance of Clotel on the auction block created a deep sensation amongst the crowd. There she stood, with a complexion as white as most of those who were waiting with a wish to become her purchasers. (Chapter I)

With the growing population of slaves in the Southern States of America, there is a fearful increase of half whites, most of whose fathers are slaveowners and their mothers slaves. Society does not frown upon the man who sits with his …

every man must make equality for himself. No society, no government can make this equality. I do not expect the slave of the south to jump into equality; all I claim for him is, that he may be allowed to jump into liberty, and let him make …

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.

An ignorant man will trust to luck for success; an educated man will make success. God helps those who help themselves. (from Chapter XLIX: The New Era)

When will the Americans learn, that if they would encourage liberty in other countries, they must practice it at home?

Black men, don’t be ashamed to show your colors, and to own them.