Booker T.

Washington
Hale's Ford, Virginia
April 5, 1856
Objective:
To advance African-Americans in an American society through economic development. Also to
gain equal social rights through "industry, thrift, intelligence, and property."
Summary: I am one of the foremost African-American leaders of the late 19th century and
early 20th century. I graduated from Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute in Virginia with high
marks in 1875. In 1881, I was able to open the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute with
$2,000 approved by Alabama legislature. In 1895, I spoke at the Cotton States and International
Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia calling forth the "Atlanta Compromise." Even though it was
highly criticized by many like W. E. B. Du Bois, it's what's best for the African-American
community in the long run. In 1901, president Theodore Roosevelt invited me to the White
House so that I could advise him on racial matters. I also advised his succeeding president,
William Howard Taft. Later that year I published my best-selling autobiography 'Up from
Slavery', which recollects my childhood during the Civil War and fighting for the black
community.
Professional Experience:
I taught at my old grade school and experimented with law for a
while
1881 First teacher of Tuskegee University
1881-1915 Principal of Tuskegee
University
Major Works: 1881 Opened Tuskegee University which provides education to 3,000 students
and such graduates like Dr. George Washington Carver. 1901 Autobiography 'Up from
Slavery' is a best-seller. Paints the image of hardship for african-americans during the 19th
century. Listed 3rd on the Modern Library's list of the best 100 nonfiction books of the 20th
century.
Awards: 1896
Awarded an honorary masters degree from Harvard University
1901
Awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Dartmouth College for my contributions to
American society
Bibliography:

"Booker T. Washington Biography." Biography. Web. 17 Feb. 2015

"Booker T. Washington." The Famous People. Web. 19 Feb. 2015

"History of the Tuskegee University." Tuskegee University. Web. 19 Feb. 2015