The most important question before us colored people is not simply what the Democratic party may do against us or the Republican party do for us; but what are we going to do for ourselves?

What shall we do toward developing our character,... adding our quota to the civilization and strength of the country, diversifying our industry, and practicing those lordly virtues that conquer success and turn the world's dread laugh into admiring recognition?
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Abolitionist. Poet. Republican.