"It is not the color of the skin that makes the man, but it is the principles

I read the last section of this reading, and the following quote stuck out most to me: "It is not the color of the skin that makes the man, but it is the principles that form their souls..." Basically, Stewart is stating that we as African Americans have to find ourselves. We have to search ourselves to figure out what makes up our souls. After finding these principles, we will realize that our souls have an equal value to other races. Once we realize that we are of equal value, we will demand our rights. She also says that we can not wait for someone else to do for us, what we can do for ourselves. Stewart gives us a call to action. She wants us to realize that we have be responsible for ourselves. We have to become interested in ourselves before we can expect anyone else to have an interest in us. This statement is similar to what I have been told throughout my entire life. My parents always taught me to be responsible for my actions and to respect myself. I was always told that in order for people to respect you, you have to respect yourself first. I was also told that I am old enough to figure myself out and know how I am. This is similar to what Stewart was saying about Blacks doing for themselves and finding themselves; because no one else cared to do so. Stewart also uses religion in this section. She states that when we become interested in ourselves and walk in God's way and ordinances, He will raise us up and befriend us. She calls for us not to just sit around and hope or wait for someone to better us. It is up to us to do something, to change our circumstances. Stewart says that to do this we have to have a compassionate heart, a principled soul, and an active mind while living by God's word.
J.L