Treasury of Black Quotations »

It sometimes seems we are deserted by earth and heaven.

--Frederick Douglass

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Desire

I've lived to bury my desires.

And see my dreams corrode with rust:

Now all that's left is fruitless fires

That burn my empty heart to dust.

--Alexander Pushkin

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DESTINY

Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up with the destiny of America.

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

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And my father and mother strengthened me in this my first impression, saying in my presence, I was intended for some great purpose.

--Nat Turner

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DEVELOPMENT

The development of human society--from tribalism to feudalism, to capitalism, to socialism--is brought about by the needs and aspirations of mankind for a better life.

--Paul Robeson