“Some praise me because I am a colored girl, and I don't want that kind of praise…” — Edmonia Lewis

No, I have not a drop of what they call white blood in my veins. My father was a full blooded Negro, and my mother was a full blooded Chippewa.

Until I was twelve years old, I led this wandering life, fishing, swimming, and making moccasins.

My features I take from my father, but my spirit, my industry and perseverance I get from my Indian mother.

I thought I knew everything when I came to Rome, but I soon found I had everything to learn.