Quote#Freedom
With the growing population of slaves in the Southern States of…
Quote byWilliam Wells Brown · 1814–1884
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Clotel: or, The President's Daughter: a narrative of slave life in the United States (1853).
English (original)
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 mulatto child upon his knee, whilst its mother stands a slave behind his chair. (beginning of Chapter I)
— William Wells Brown
More from William Wells Brown
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.
Black men, don’t be ashamed to show your colors, and to own them.
When will the Americans learn, that if they would encourage liberty in other countries, they must practice it at home?
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)
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)