My mother was kept very busy ...

My mother was kept very busy with her sewing; sometimes she would have another woman helping her.
 James Weldon Johnson

Quotes from the same author

My appearance was always good and my ability to play on the piano, especially ragtime, which was then at the height of its vogue, made me a welcome guest.
 James Weldon Johnson
At a very early age I began to thump on the piano alone, and it was not long before I was able to pick out a few tunes? I also learned the names of the notes in both clefs, but I preferred not be hampered by notes.
 James Weldon Johnson
Every race and every nation should be judged by the best it has been able to produce, not by the worst.
 James Weldon Johnson
Northern white people love the Negro in a sort of abstract way, as a race; through a sense of justice, charity, and philanthropy, they will liberally assist in his elevation.
 James Weldon Johnson
This country can have no more democracy than it accords and guarantees to the humblest and weakest citizen.
 James Weldon Johnson