"I had to go down and dignify this work, so much so that many of the best women of our race are now engaged in this line of business, and many of them are now in my employ."

"I am a testament to the fact that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle."

"I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others."

"I want to be a monument to the possibilities of Negro women."

"If I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard."