Every avenue of escape had been closed.
Deep down in my heart the whole thing seemed more like a dream than like reality, and for a long time it was difficult for me to make myself believe that I was actually going to Europe.

I had been born and largely reared in the lowest depths of slavery, ignorance, and poverty.

In my childhood I had suffered for want of a place to sleep, for lack of food, clothing, and shelter.

I had not had the privilege of sitting down to a dining-table until I was quite well grown.

Luxuries had always seemed to me to be something meant for white people, not for my race.