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People I represent, to the extent of the opportunities which they have had, and considering how recently they have escaped from the oppression and wrongs committed upon them, are just as virtuous and hold just as many high characteristics as any class in the country.

— Joseph Hayne Rainey Speech on Civil Rights Act (1873)

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More quotes by Joseph Hayne Rainey

I say to you gentlemen, that this discrimination against the Negro race in this country is unjust, is unworthy of a high-minded people whose example should have a salutary influence in the world.

Speech on Civil Rights Act (1873)

We love freedom more, vastly more, than slavery. Consequently, we hope to keep clear of the Democrats!

I think the statistics will prove that there is as much virtue among the Negroes as among the whites.

Speech on Civil Rights Act (1873)

We are fully determined to stand by the Republican Party and the government.

Speech on the KKK (1871)

We intend to continue to vote so long as the government gives us the right and necessary protection; and I know that right accorded to us now will never be withheld in the future if left to the Republican Party.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Joseph Hayne Rainey (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.