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.
Source: In Famous Black Quotations, ed. Janet Cheatham Bell, 1995.
-- Martin Delany, (May 6 1812-1885), US physician, activist, novelist; The father of black nationalism served in the Union Army during the Civil War and was active in Southern politics during Reconstruction.