Member-only story

Up From Slavery: The Inspiring Life Story of Booker T. Washington

Herman Mitchell

·8.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Up From Slavery Booker T Washington

5 min read

874 View Claps

62 Respond

Save

Listen

Booker T. Washington, A Prominent African American Educator, Orator, And Civil Rights Leader During The Late 19th And Early 20th Centuries Up From Slavery Booker T Washington

Booker T. Washington was a prominent African American educator, orator, and civil rights leader during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born into slavery in 1856, and after the Civil War, he dedicated his life to improving the lives of African Americans through education and economic empowerment.

Up From Slavery

by Booker T. Washington

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4816 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Washington's autobiography, Up From Slavery, is a powerful and inspiring account of his life and work. In this book, Washington describes his childhood in slavery, his struggles to get an education, and his eventual success as the founder of Tuskegee Institute, a leading African American university.

Up From Slavery is a classic of American literature and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of race relations in the United States.

Early Life

Booker T. Washington was born into slavery on April 5, 1856, on a plantation in Franklin County, Virginia. His father was a white man, and his mother was an enslaved African American woman. Washington never knew his father, and he was raised by his mother and her extended family.

Washington's early life was filled with hardship and deprivation. He worked long hours in the fields, and he was often beaten and abused by his master. Despite these challenges, Washington was determined to get an education. He taught himself to read and write, and he eventually attended Hampton Institute, a school for African Americans in Virginia.

Education

Washington's education was a turning point in his life. He excelled in his studies, and he soon became a leader among his peers. Washington graduated from Hampton Institute in 1875, and he went on to study at Wayland Seminary in Washington, D.C.

After graduating from Wayland Seminary, Washington returned to Hampton Institute as a teacher. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1881, he was appointed principal of the school.

As principal of Hampton Institute, Washington developed a philosophy of education that emphasized practical skills and economic empowerment. He believed that African Americans needed to be able to support themselves and their families in order to achieve true freedom.

Tuskegee Institute

In 1881, Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. Tuskegee Institute was a vocational school that offered courses in agriculture, mechanics, and other practical skills. Washington's goal was to provide African Americans with the education and training they needed to succeed in the workforce.

Tuskegee Institute quickly became one of the leading African American universities in the United States. Washington's philosophy of education was highly successful, and Tuskegee Institute produced a generation of African American leaders who went on to make significant contributions to society.

Civil Rights

Washington was also a leading civil rights activist. He spoke out against racial discrimination and segregation, and he worked to improve the lives of African Americans in all walks of life.

Washington's approach to civil rights was controversial. He believed that African Americans should focus on economic empowerment and education rather than on political agitation. He argued that African Americans would eventually achieve full equality through economic success.

Washington's views were not shared by all African Americans. Some, like W.E.B. Du Bois, believed that African Americans should focus on political activism and the fight for immediate equality.

Despite these differences, Washington was a respected and influential figure in the civil rights movement. He helped to raise awareness of the plight of African Americans, and he paved the way for future civil rights leaders.

Legacy

Booker T. Washington was a remarkable man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of African Americans. He was a gifted educator, orator, and civil rights leader. His autobiography, Up From Slavery, is a classic of American literature and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of race relations in the United States.

Washington's legacy continues to inspire people today. His message of hard work, education, and self-reliance is still relevant in the 21st century. Washington's life and work are a reminder that all people, regardless of their race or background, can achieve great things.