Born 150 years ago, Booker T. Washington's policies helped advance African American
Born into slavery 150 years ago, Washington's ambition and intelligence led to a successful career as an educator, political consultant and spokesman for his people. Find out how a former slave rose from poverty to become a policy maker and advisor to several presidents.
1. Out of the frying pan ... Washington was bom into slavery April 5, 1856, in southwestern Virginia. When the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in 1863, his family had almost no possessions or money. Washington was forced to take work in coal mines and salt furnaces beginning at age nine.
2. Traveling in Style: When Washington left home at age 16 in search of a better education, his family had no money to pay for his travel. He walked 200 miles across Virginia to the Hampton Institute and paid his tuition by working as a janitor. Washington attended the school from 1872 to 1875 before becoming a teacher there in 1879.
3. Tuskegee Institute: In 1881, Washington continued his educational career by founding the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. The school was primarily a trade school, teaching young blacks carpentry, farming and mechanics. Tuskegee's curriculum was designed according to Washington's theories on the advancement of African Americans. He believed that trades, and not higher education, were the best way to get America's black population on its feet. Today the school is called Tuskegee University and has an enrollment of 3,000 students.
4. Political Advisor: Washington's views were very popular among whites but he was still seen as a spokesman for African Americans. This reputation led to frequent requests to advise politicians on policies that dealt with African Americans. His influence and credibility were highly respected, and he helped both President Taft and President Roosevelt make decisions about America's racial problems.
5. Pandering? Opposition to Washington often accused him of conceding to white influence too often. His stance that blacks should not receive college education was fiercely contested, especially by W. E. B Du Bois. Some believed that Washington's policies and theories inherently accepted a level of racism and discrimination.
http://reference.aol.com/fast-facts/people?id=20060404151309990001 4/6/2006