Jonathan Harrison Jan 13, 2009

Booker T. Washington

"Washington believed that education was a crucial key to African American citizens rising within the social and economic structure of the United States. He rose into a nationally prominent role as spokesman and leader for them." (wikipedia)

This quote sums up why Booker T. Wasahington is such an important figure, not only in African American History but U.S, history overall. He grew up as a kid desireing and valueing education above all else. He felt that education was a way out of poverty and a means to a better life. These values and ideas are present throughout the teachings and the life of Booker T.

In his autobiography "Up from Slavery" it becomes clear that the biggest priority in Washington's life was his ability to aquire and education. He felt that education was the key to open any door and without it their is only so far a people can rise. If one looks at any civilization that was run by a tyrant or a tyranical government the main thing that they try to control is education because knowledge is power and anybody with power knows this. I found this story to be perticularly inspiring due to all the obstacles in which ashington had to overcome. The fact that he couldn't go to school and had to work, yet still spent hours reading an alphabet book, that I'm sure he could recite without even looking at it, makes me question and even strive to improve my own drive. I try to put myself in his shoes but there is no way I could see myself, after slaving in the salt mines, come home and read the same dingy book over and over again. To go go from such simple beginnings to write a speech such as the one presented at the Atlanta Expostion boggles my mind. I could only hope to one day write something as b eautfully written as that. Is enlightened theory on what success really is, not what you have accompished but the obstacles you went over to get their, is now my new theory on life. From Washington I take an energized work ethic and a new belief that life should be lived one day at a time and any obstacl that will be thrown my way is not too big for me to handle.