The claims of no people, according to established policy and usage, are respected by any nation, until they are presented in a national capacity.

- Martin Delany

A serpent is a serpent, and none the less a viper, because it is nestled in the bosom of an honest-hearted man.

- Martin Delany

Every people should be the originators of their own destiny, the projectors of their own schemes, and creators of the events that lead to their desti…

- Martin Delany

I am not in favor of caste, nor separation of the brotherhood of mankind, and would as willingly live among white men as Black, if I had equal posses…

- Martin Delany

Our elevation must be the result of self-efforts and work of our own hands. No other human power can accomplish it. If we but determine it shall be s…

- Martin Delany

We must make an issue, create an event, and establish a national position for ourselves: and never may expect to be respected as men and women, until…

- Martin Delany

It is only in the mountains that I can fully appreciate my existence as a man in America, and my own native land

- Martin Delany

Let us have an education, that shall practically develop our thinking faculties and manhood; and then, and only then, shall we be able to vie with ou…

- Martin Delany

The rights of no oppressed people have ever yet been obtained by a voluntary act of justice on the part of the oppressors.

- Martin Delany