...Doctor Jeffrey Cordell ENG 3020 18 April 2014 Introduction Booker T. Washington’s early life was one of great struggle and destitution. Born a slave, Washington was raised by his mother, in a log cabin. Washington’s life was filled with hard work, which eventually gave him great success in his life. Utilizing his skills taught to him at his past jobs, he was given the opportunity to attend school when not present at his jobs as a salt packer, coal miner and house servant. After attending the American Missionary Association and Wayland Seminary, he was hired as the first principal of what later became the Tuskegee Institute (Norton, 2012). Washington was immensely involved in the success of the Tuskegee Institute, even aiding in the construction of the building (Norton 2012). Washington used his authoritative position to aid in pushing his Christian virtues and simple, disciplined living among the student body. Under Washington’s command the institute quickly thrived (Norton, 2012). Booker T. Washington’s popularity increased following his speech known as the “Atlanta Compromise”. Numerous supporters of Washington, included whites and blacks across the nation (Norton, 2012). While one would not think an African American boy would grow up to become a man of great influence, that is precisely what happened in the story of Booker T. Washington’s life. In “Up from Slavery”, Booker T. Washington chronicles his progression from a childhood slave to an ambitious free...
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...of African American studies know about the ambitious rivalry between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBouis. This rivalry between two great leaders of the black community in the late 19th and 20th century gave birth to many debates and dissension about which leader actually offered a better way for black people to advance in American society back then. I personally viewed Booker T. Washington’s beliefs about racial equality as somewhat…“colonized”. I believe his ideas were too ground in the white agenda that was going on in that era. I believe W.E.B DuBois ideas were better for the improvement of African American people in American society. Of these two great men, the first to come along was Booker T. Washington. He was a reformer, an educator and one of the most influential black leaders of his time. He preached the philosophy of racial solidarity, self-help and accommodation. He pushed for black people to accept the vicious discrimination that they were going through for the time being and instead concentrate on advancing themselves through material prosperity and hard work....
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...Ruston Christian Professor Smith English 2020 25 November 2014 Du Bois’ and Washington: The Rivalry Both W.E.B Dubois and Booker T. Washington were great African American leaders and writers during the beginning of the 20th century. Booker T. Washington’s “Up from Slavery” provides a great depiction of his experience with slavery and he also expresses his views on education and ways to enhance the citizenship of blacks in society. W.E.B Dubois’ Souls of Black Folk exemplifies the contradictions of the South during that time and he also criticizes Booker T. Washington’s views on racial uplifting and education concept. Now the question stands as follows: Was W.E.B Dubois’ criticism towards Washington unfair or accurate? Well, Dubois’ criticisms towards Washington was both accurate and unfair, but mostly accurate. Up From Slavery depicts Booker T. Washington as both an accommodationist and a realist whom tries to strategize ways for blacks to make it out the struggle even though race relations were at its lowest point at the time. The autobiography also describes in detail his gradual and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the trials and tribulations he had to conquer to attain an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools such as the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and to helping black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up out of the...
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...History Essay Contrasting the Proposals of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois United States History 1828 - 1914 Instructor Stewart King Clackamas Community College February 7, 2012 Accommodation vs. Integration In March of 1895, Booker T. Washington delivered his now famous Atlanta Compromise Speech. In brief, Washington proposed that blacks accept segregation and focus on getting jobs rather than demanding equality. He also proposed that blacks concentrate on learning trades and how to work with their hands – not necessarily in becoming book smart. Perhaps even more central to his message, Washington argued that if blacks focused on equality they would never make it anywhere in society. In short, Washington’s policy was one of accommodation and not rocking the boat. (Washington) Washington was very clear about what he felt black intentions should be, stating that blacks should only be seeking opportunity – not for the right to integrate with white society. He wanted white society to see the good in all black people, and not as a threat to their way of life. Eight years later, W.E.B. offered a critique of Washington’s proposal. While DuBois respected Washington as a black leader, he felt that his policy of accommodation was holding back the black race. Contrary to Washington, DuBois felt that "the right to vote," "civic equality," and "the education of youth according to ability" were essential for African American progress. (DuBois) ...
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...A TEACHER’S GUIDE TO THE SIGNET CLASSIC EDITION OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON’S UP FROM SLAVERY By VIRGINIA L. SHEPHARD, Ph.D., Florida State University S E R I E S E D I T O R S : W. GEIGER ELLIS, ED.D., ARTHEA J. S. REED, PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, EMERITUS and UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, RETIRED A Teacher’s Guide to the Signet Classic Edition of Booker T. Washington’s Up from Slavery 2 INTRODUCTION Booker T. Washington’s commanding presence and oratory deeply moved his contemporaries. His writings continue to influence readers today. Although Washington claimed his autobiography was “a simple, straightforward story, with no attempt at embellishment,” readers for nearly a century have found it richly rewarding. Today, Up From Slavery appeals to a wide audience from early adolescence through adulthood. More important, however, is the inspiration his story of hard work and positive goals gives to all readers. His life is an example providing hope to all. The complexity and contradictions of his life make his autobiography intellectually intriguing for advanced readers. To some he was known as the Sage of Tuskegee or the Black Moses. One of his prominent biographers, Louis R. Harlan, called him the “Wizard of the Tuskegee Machine.” Others acknowledged him to be a complicated person and public figure. Students of American social and political history have come to see that Washington lived a double life. Publicly he appeased the white establishment...
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...citizenship like that of his former masters (Machibya)? This was a widely debated issue amongst black leaders. One favored the idea that the Negro races return to Africa (Machibya). While others urged Negroes to become industrial workers, stating that political and social equality would soon follow (Machibya). Others opposed this idea, and instead encouraged blacks to fight for the right to vote, which would then lead to political and social equality (Gates & McKay 698). These two conceptions are the most debated when observing racial equality during this period in time, and should be termed the economic plan from Booker T. Washington, and political plan from W.E.B DuBois. The most striking thing in the history of the American Negro since 1876 in the midst of worsening political, social, and economic conditions for blacks is the ascendancy of Booker T. Washington (Gates & McKay 699). With no laws to protect the rights of blacks, no...
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...He also relied on the mass recognition of his speech to ease the process of assimilation. Atlanta Constitution editor Clark Howell once praised Washington’s address in a telegraph stating, “The whole speech is a platform upon which blacks and whites can stand with full justice to each other” (Washington, 458). Not only did Washington receive praise from newspapers, but also from “lecture bureaus, and editors of magazines and papers”, and even President Grover Cleveland himself (Washington, 458). By utilizing his large influence and press coverage, Booker T. Washington was able to promote his idea that assimilation was the process that would end racial tensions in the United States, regardless of the loss of African American...
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...Booker T Washington I have chosen Booker T Washington for my topic. I chose him because of his determination, dedication, and hard work for education. Booker T. Washington put himself through school and became a Principal of a University. Booker was also a bi-racial child his mother was a slave and his father was a Caucasian male. He was determined to provide education for African-Americans. Booker T Washington was born a slave in the early 1856. Since he was born a slave he was not allowed to attend school and had to work. Since his mother knew he was interested in learning to read and write, she gave him a book. With this book he learned the alphabet and how to read & write. He was so determined to learn, he was waking up at 4am before he had to be at work. After working 2 years for Mrs. Ruffner she allowed him to attend winter school. Booker faced several obstacles in his life. He was faced with his bi-racial issues. He was made fun of because he didn’t look like other slaves, he only had a mother on the plantation because his father was white. He wasn’t allowed to attend school like other Caucasian kids because he was considered African American. He had to work as a young child instead of going to school. Booker received a lot of criticism after General Armstrong appointed him Principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. General Armstrong was asked to recommend a white man but changed his mind...
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...The Second Industrial Revolution changed America’s character by creating them as the largest economy in the world. Unfortunately, conflicts involving currency, tariffs, political scandal, and economic crisis became serious. This time period consists of two waves of Panics or depressions. The 1873 panic was caused by over-speculation in the railroad industry. The Panic of 1893 was marked by the collapse of railroad overbuilding and shaky railroad financing which set off a series of bank failures. The panic was resolved in 1897. Key people during this time period were John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan. John D. Rockefeller is the founder of the Standard Oil Company. He became one of the world's wealthiest men and a major philanthropist....
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...Taylor Fleming Up From Slavery Mrs. Pitt HIST 1302 02/07/11 Washington, Booker T. (1901). Up from slavery. New York: Doubleday Page & Company. $0.00 ISBN-13: 9780486287386 The topic of slavery during the Pre-Civil War Era is commonly discussed in US History classes, though the subject of African Americans hardships and struggles goes unnoticed as they try to adapted to life as a freed person directly after the Civil War continuously facing many obstacles in their way that includes lack of knowledge and education detected by Booker T. Washington, an educator who is consider the most important speaker of his time giving his famous speech “Cast Down Your Buckets Where You Are” delivered at 1895 Atlanta Compromise, was determined to provide education for blacks not just in Tuskegee, Alabama but over all over the country. Washington dedicated his time lifting black people up from slavery by persevering in every single endeavor ultimately creating the Tuskegee Institute to promote education and industry. Washington the author of “Up from Slavery” documents his trials and tribulations of to build a school for African Americans to better themselves and become equal with the rest of society. Washington’s autobiography begins with his childhood where was born a slave in Hale’s Ford, Virginia, whose mother was also black and father rumored to be white man who he view...
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...W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington were both black right activists. They both had received an education, they also believed in the importance of education and moving their race forward. Both being born in the U.S. they had both faced segregation and discrimination, but both had different approaches on how to go about fixing these problems. Washington was born as a slave in Virginia. Although he had worked as a slave, he was determined to receive and education. Later in life, he was one of the most influential men for black rights and had founded Tuskegee University in Alabama. He believed that black people had to accomodate to the white people to receive respect and rights for his race; to be an accommodationist. His most famous speech "The Atlanta Compromise" had been a staple of his beliefs; 'Cast down your bucket where you are,' work behind the scenes, adjust to segregation, and abondon agitation. "It was about black people working but on white peoples terms" (Rivalry, 1:42). One of those ways to 'accomodate' was for African Americans to get an education in agricultural farming. To learn normal farming skills rather than trying to become a doctor or lawyer. When Plessy V. Ferguson had deemed segregation constitutional the ruling "reinforced Washington's view that African Americans had best concentrate on economic progress, not legal and political equality. Frugality, intergrity, and job skills... would bring success in the only areas in which black Americans...
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...22/25 “Compare and contrast the ideas and positions of Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and W.E.B. DuBois. Critically evaluate the strength and weaknesses of each.” Black History 140B Professor Katungi 3-12-03 Booker Taliaferro Washington was born a slave on a plantation in Franklin Country, Virginia in 1856. One of our nations most powerful black educators; he illustrated his belief in the dignity of work. He was very skilled in politics and influential for both black and white communities. “There was no period of my life that was devoted to play.” He expressed his concept of hard work was the cornerstone of his social philosophy. Booker T. became a principle and guiding force behind Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institution in Hampton, Alabama during 1881. He felt that industrial education was a way out from the horrible sharecropping and debt. His plan also wanted to achieve self-employment, land ownership and small businesses. “Yet one has the hand in all things essential to mutual progress”, being a personal quote from Booker T. at the Atlanta Compromise address in 1895. His major role was to influence the area of race relations and black leadership. He attacked racism and secretly founder of many anti-segregationist activities. Booker T. wanted to help black Americans rise up from the economic slavery, that had held them down long after they were legally free citizens. As being a dominant figure in black public affairs from 1895 until his...
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...Civil Rights Campaigners changed their aims across the Period from the idea of Assimilation led by Washington with the Atlanta Compromise to Black Power and Marcus Garvey, moving the focus away from political issues and instead focusing on the economic implications of Black Civil Rights. Whilst all campaigners were fighting for Civil Rights for African Americans their ideas were influenced by their aims and the actual period in which they were working. Assimilation was the idea of bringing blacks and whites together and therefore giving equality to both sides. Book T Washington as a civil rights leader was involved in the Atlanta compromise between Washington and other African American leaders. It meant that Southern Blacks would work and submit to White political rule but in return they received a basic education and due process in law. Washington realised that to expect equality at the time was unreasonable yet he provided many African Americans with a technical education and above all else a role model. Although it still wasn’t equal it was progress in achieving assimilation despite Du Bois opposing the idea strongly. Along with Monroe he took issue with the compromise believing instead African Americans should engage in a struggle for Civil Rights. Du Bois called it the compromise to denote the agreement and after Washington’s death in 1915 supporters of Atlanta shifted their support to civil rights activism, until the modern civil rights movement commenced in the 1950’s. The...
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...W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington could be considered the “twin towers” when it comes to black history in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although from different generations, their attention focused on the African-American struggle for political, social and economic equality. However, they sharply disagreed on strategies for black social and economic progress; to better understand their opposing philosophies, it is helpful to also consider their radically different backgrounds, which influenced their world-views. W.E.B. Du Bois was born in Massachusetts, three years after the end of the Civil War. His great-grandfather had fought in the American Revolution and his family had been part of the community for generations. Du Bois learned of his African roots from his grandmother, and was given a sense of destiny from his mother, who raised him after his father left home. Du Bois was a brilliant young man, working as a correspondent for New York newspapers while still in high school, and, with the help of influential members of his community, went to Fisk University in Nashville. His years at Fisk changed his life – there Du Bois met sons and daughters of former slaves, who embodied the cultural and spiritual tradition that Du Bois had glimpsed as a child. He also encountered the White South, and saw how they were destroying the achievements of Reconstruction. He saw the suffering of rural blacks when he taught school during the summers...
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...Africa-Americans Ever since African Americans were slaves, the population of the African Americans during 1860’s in the northern America was about 1% after American Revolution. They experienced discrimination since the beginning based on the color of their skin. This race was perceived to be inferior compared to the whites. Because of discrimination, they were not given some civil rights such as voting. The illogical premise to support this claim was given by the state that the law forbade in certain areas. During this period, the New York Convention stated that only those African Americans with property had the right to vote (Dagbovie, 2007). In essence, during this time they were struggling to get employment and most of them were not financial stable. African Americans have undergone a lot in history and in the present American some of them hold political positions (The president of the United States), manage large firms, and have equal rights like other citizen. In fact I has never been this way, they were unjustly treated and undergone through difficulties that the today’s generation may not understand. The black generation has undergone various challenges in their history that the current generation can never believe to be true and valid. This paper explores the historical background of the conditions this community undergone and how they overcame the racial discrimination, segregation and isolation to acquire equality. Segregation The term segregation denotes...
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