Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was one of the saddest things Booker saw?
What was one of the saddest things Booker saw?
A young man sitting in a one-room cabin, with grease on his clothing and filth around him, engaged in studying French grammar.
Who was Booker's wife?
Who was Booker's wife?
Miss Olivia A. Davidson
What did Booker and OAD teach the kids most?
What did Booker and OAD teach the kids most?
How to care for themselves health-wise and practical knowledge of some industry.
What was the people's attitude towards physical labor?
What was the people's attitude towards physical labor?
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Who did Booker ask for money to put the school?
Who did Booker ask for money to put the school?
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How did they pay back the money?
How did they pay back the money?
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In Alabama, what was one of the main things that the adults did around Christmas time?
In Alabama, what was one of the main things that the adults did around Christmas time?
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What did the graduates do during Christmas and Thanksgiving seasons?
What did the graduates do during Christmas and Thanksgiving seasons?
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What was the order for the land in the Tuskegee school?
What was the order for the land in the Tuskegee school?
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In what two ways did farming help the school?
In what two ways did farming help the school?
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Where did Booker get the money for the large building?
Where did Booker get the money for the large building?
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What was the first gift received from any Northerner?
What was the first gift received from any Northerner?
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Whom was the first building named after?
Whom was the first building named after?
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What was the huge donation that was given?
What was the huge donation that was given?
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Why didn't Booker begin to feel anxiety and uncertainty?
Why didn't Booker begin to feel anxiety and uncertainty?
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Who was George W. Campbell?
Who was George W. Campbell?
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What happened during the summer of 1882?
What happened during the summer of 1882?
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Where was Booker T. Washington from?
Where was Booker T. Washington from?
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What is odd about Booker T. Washington's birth?
What is odd about Booker T. Washington's birth?
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What was Booker's relationship with his father?
What was Booker's relationship with his father?
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Booker and his mother both felt their dad was just a victim of _______ and that he should not be ______ for not helping to take care of his child.
Booker and his mother both felt their dad was just a victim of _______ and that he should not be ______ for not helping to take care of his child.
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Where was Booker T. Washington from?
Where was Booker T. Washington from?
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What is odd about Booker T. Washington's birth?
What is odd about Booker T. Washington's birth?
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What was Booker's relationship with his father?
What was Booker's relationship with his father?
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Booker and his mother both felt their dad was just a victim of _______ and that he should not be ______ for not helping to take care of his child.
Booker and his mother both felt their dad was just a victim of _______ and that he should not be ______ for not helping to take care of his child.
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Where was Booker T. Washington from?
Where was Booker T. Washington from?
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What is odd about Booker T. Washington's birth?
What is odd about Booker T. Washington's birth?
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What was Booker's relationship with his father?
What was Booker's relationship with his father?
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Booker and his mother both felt their dad was just a victim of _______ and that he should not be ______ for not helping to take care of his child.
Booker and his mother both felt their dad was just a victim of _______ and that he should not be ______ for not helping to take care of his child.
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Study Notes
Background of Booker T. Washington
- Born in Franklin County, Virginia, Booker T. Washington had no knowledge of his exact birth date or place.
- His father was likely a white plantation worker, who abandoned him and his mother, and Washington's conception was potentially a result of sexual assault.
- Washington and his mother viewed his father's absence as a victim of the oppressive system of slavery, not as a personal failing.
Life as a Slave
- Washington experienced physically taxing labor; his least favorite job involved transporting corn to a mill, resulting in late returns and punishment.
- He first learned of his enslaved status through his mother's prayers for freedom, specifically for Abraham Lincoln's success.
- News of the Civil War circulated within slave communities through oral accounts relayed by a post office worker overhearing conversations among white individuals.
Nature of Slavery
- Despite some decent treatment, slaves showed care and mourning for injured or deceased masters, indicating complex human relationships.
- Washington believed that amidst the degradation of slavery, it had inadvertently fostered spiritual growth and material strength among enslaved individuals.
Freedom and Its Challenges
- The Emancipation Proclamation symbolized a significant moment of freedom, eliciting mixed reactions from enslaved people who realized newfound independence also meant self-reliance.
- Newly freed individuals acquired personal names, marking the first step towards identity restoration.
Education and Growth
- Washington initially worked in salt furnaces and later coal mines, where dangerous working conditions caused constant fear.
- He gained his first academic exposure learning his stepfather's identification number, leading to a pursuit of formal education with the acquisition of a spelling book.
- His involvement in the educational system included day, night, and Sunday schools, responding to adults' desires to learn reading primarily for biblical purposes.
Teaching and Philosophy
- Washington taught at Tuskegee Institute where he faced challenges such as limited resources and maintaining student focus on practical skills.
- His philosophy emphasized gradual growth, patience, and hard work, promoting education as the path to uplift the African American community.
- Washington viewed success not through societal status but through overcoming obstacles.
Community and Contributions
- He observed the importance of education led to the aspirations of becoming professionals such as lawyers and educators among African Americans.
- Washington recognized the significant contributions of individuals who came to assist in education post-Civil War, highlighting their nobility and dedication.
- He described the graduates as unselfish, emphasizing their actions during holiday seasons in aiding their communities.
School Development in Tuskegee
- Tuskegee Institute began with limited funding, relying on local community efforts, festivals, and personal sacrifices for support.
- Washington's leadership fostered a spirit of self-reliance, emphasizing practical education and the work ethic among students.
- Farming initiatives not only provided sustenance but ensured students could remain enrolled, highlighting the importance of combining theory with practical life skills.### Donations and Support for Tuskegee
- A Tuskegee resident provided lumber for a building project for Booker on his word, reflecting his good reputation and respect in the community.
- The first gift from a Northerner was $50 from a lady in New York, sparked by a conversation with Mrs. Davidson about Tuskegee.
- The first building at Tuskegee was named after Mr. A.H. Porter of Brooklyn for his generous financial contribution.
Funding and Financial Challenges
- Two women from Boston donated a total of $6,000, continuing their support annually for the next 14 years, illustrating their long-term commitment.
- Booker faced immense pressure regarding funding, feeling that failure would negatively impact the perception of the entire race, which heightened his anxiety.
Key Individuals and Events
- George W. Campbell was the individual who introduced General Armstrong, enabling Booker to establish his role at Tuskegee.
- In the summer of 1882, Booker married Fannie N. Smith; they had one child, Portia M. Washington, but she passed away in May 1884, marking a significant personal loss during that period.
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Description
Explore the early life and experiences of Booker T. Washington, who was born into slavery and faced significant challenges from a young age. This quiz dives into his background, life as a slave, and the oppressive nature of slavery that shaped his future. Test your knowledge on the critical aspects of Washington's formative years.
