Martin Delany Quotes

10 Sourced Quotes

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 so, it will be so.

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
We love our country, dearly love her, but she don't love us—she despises us, and bids us begone, driving us from her embraces; but we shall not go where she desires us; but when we do go, whatever love we have for her, we shall love the country none the less that receives us as her adopted children.

Martin Delany
We are slaves in the midst of freedom, waiting patiently, and unconcernedly—indifferently, and stupidly, for masters to come and lay claim to us, trusting to their generosity, whether or not they will own us and carry us into endless bondage. The slave is more secure than we; he knows who holds the heel upon his bosom—we know not the wretch who may grasp us by the throat.

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
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 we have undertaken some fearless, bold, and adventurous deeds of daring...

Martin Delany
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
We have speculated and moralized much about equality—claiming to be as good as our neighbors, and everybody else—all of which may do very well in ethics—but not in politics.

Martin Delany
No people are ever elevated above the condition of their females; hence, the condition of the mother determines the condition of the child. To know the position of a people, it is only necessary to know the condition of their females; and despite themselves, they cannot rise above their level.

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