BOOKER T. WASHINGTON BY: BRITNEY GALATI

Born in Virginia as Booker Taliaferro, he later became known as Booker T. Washington. He was born a slave because his mother was a slave, his father is unknown but it is assumed to was a white male from a surrounding plantation. His mother was a cook on a plantation so he grew up on a one room log cabin that also served as the kitchen for the plantation. As a slave he carried grain sacks. EARLY LIFE

One day Booker T. Washington was walking past a school has and saw the white kids at desk learning and he wanted to take part in that. After the civil war his mother moved him and he began working in a mine with his step father. His mother realized he wanted to learn and bought him a book with basic letters and words. He later became a houseboy for the mine owner’s wife, Mrs. Ruffner who realized he was intelligent and wanted to learn, so she allowed him an hour each day to attend school. EDUCATION

Washington walked 500 miles in 1872 to the Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute in Virginia. He received a scholarship for his hard work and soon graduated, after this he moved to Washington D.C. to attend Wayland Seminary. EDUCATION

1879, Washington was chosen to speak at the Hampton graduation ceremony. At this time General Armstrong offered him a teaching job. 1881, in Alabama legislation passed to begin a school known as Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (it is now known as Tuskegee University). Washington was asked to run the school in Alabama which started in a church but he managed to raise more money and promote it to help it grow and receive more funding. Washington had to promise the school would not threaten the whites and power they had autobiography Up from Slavery inspired many to create a better future for themselves. ADULT LIFE

In 1915 Washington died of congestive heart failure. He left behind a legacy of being a voice for African Americans, he was a leader in his society. Many of his writings talked about slavery and overcoming it, giving hope and guidance to those in this time of change in the US. In his time he was able to gain support of both blacks and whites, educated and not, to help better the lives of many and help provide people with a higher education. DEATH

READING DISCUSSION An autobiography written by Washington describing different parts of his life. In class we got 4 chapter that were part of the entire story. Up From Slavery

SLAVE AMONG SLAVES Discusses plantation life and Washington talks about how he lived as a young boy. The chapter is very detailed about even the littlest things, for example it talked about how he slept in a bed for the first time after the Civil War. Why are such little details that are found throughout the chapter important. I honestly think that Washington made sure to include the little details to show what life was really like. It is easier to understand the things he has been through.

BOYHOOD DAYS This chapter shows how becoming free changed his life, the life of his family, and the other slaves in a first person point of view. “In later years I confess that I do not envy the white boys as I once did. I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as a by the obstacles which he overcomes.” It is quotes like this that show Washington’s views and outlooks, which eventually made him a leader. He never let race or status define him he overcame the challenges in his life. Do you agree with this definition of success? Would you define Washington as successful?

STRUGGLE FOR EDUCATION In the multiple biographies I read about Washington online they talked about his long road to an education, but none of them showed the extent of his struggle and true will to learn as this chapter of his autobiography. He always strived to do more with his life even in the worst of situations. He was determined to learn as much as he could to better his life. This story is an inspiration for all.

THE ATLANTA EXPOSITION ADDRESS This chapter shows the address Booker T. Washington gave, and also showed some response he got to the speech. Washington was a way with his words to not make the way society is look like a joke, but point out the areas in which the African Americans were being unjustly treated. He took a stand for the right of them especially when it came to voting. He clearly understands the positive changes that have occurred but points out areas where improvement is needed to better life. Booker T. Washington was a voice for his people. He was willing to stand up for a change and this makes it evident. In a time where it was still hard to speak up for his race he was willing to make claims of what needed to be change. He was really a leader in social change because he stood up for what he believed in and was the voice for many.

HOW I SEE IT Booker T. Washington was a writer and leader of his time. His efforts helped gain him a dominant position in society advocating for the rights of his race. His autobiographies showed that success is possible even for those who are in a position were it seems unlikely. He worked as hard as he could to not only improve his own life, but the lives of many.

SOURCES Photo: memory.loc.gov and cover jpeg The Norton Anthology of African American Literature