Example
History 103
Booker T. Washington
Background Info.
Booker T. Washington is a known educator, author, and was an adviser to most presidents in the United States. His father was a slave hut in Franklin County VA, and his mother was a cook for the plantation’s owner. He was born on April 5th 1856 in WestLake Corner, Virginia. Between 1850’s and 1900’s in the african community he was a dominant leader. Washington was the founder of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute which is now called Tuskegee University. Throughout his journey he did have some conflicts with W.E.B Du Bois over segregation.
Washington’s Education
In order for Booker to get his education he had to go to work from 4-9AM. His job was called the local salt works. In 1872 Washington went to Hampton and received great grades, he was definitely a honors student. In his older years he became a teacher at Hampton and then had the opportunity to be the principal at Tuskegee Normal and Industrial institute.
Why is Booker T Washington so important
Booker T Washington was a strong smart african american leader and many people knew him for being a great leader to the black community. Booker put himself through school and became a teacher after the Civil War. As stated before he was the founder of the Tuskegee University and had a very successful outcome. In this university Washington focused on training the african americans in agricultural pursuits. Washington rejected traditional education methods in favor of methods that would demonstrate how African Americans could be beneficial to society. The school was built by the first students, who also grew produce that could be sold.He also helped secure a huge donation for the education of African Americans. Everyone knows he was the most prominent leader of african americans.
Booker T Washington was known for his sense of humor, he published 5 books that were very popular. He wrote the book “The Story of My Life and Work” that came out in 1900. “The Story of the Negro: The Rise of the Race from Slavery” (1909), “My Larger Education” (1911),“The Man Farthest Down” (1912). Washington loved doing productive stuff in his free time. One of his main hobbies was writing books. He enjoyed it all the time.
Conclusion
After doing research on Booker T. Washington I came to the conclusion that he was a successful black leader to the black community. He believed that through hard work and hard earned respect , African Americans would gain the esteem of white society and eventually full citizenship. Fun fact about Booker T. Washington, he was the first african american to be invited to the White House. He was invited by president Theodore Roosevelt , Mr.Roosevelt thought Mr.Washington was a brilliant advisor on racial matters. Washington urged blacks to accept discrimination for the time being and concentrate on elevating themselves through hard work and material prosperity.
Reference
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/booker-t-washington
https://www.biography.com/activist/booker-t-washington
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Booker-T-Washington