6 Questions
What was Booker T. Washington's job to support himself while attending college?
He worked as a janitor
What was the condition of the first building used by Booker T. Washington for classes at Tuskegee Institute?
A rickety old shed behind the African Methodist Episcoal church
What was one way Booker T. Washington's life work at Tuskegee Institute focused on uplifting black Americans?
By teaching them the power of industry, entrepreneurship, and Christian virtue
What was Booker T. Washington's age when he was sent to Alabama to found the Tuskegee Institute?
23 years old
What was one example of the poverty and lack of wisdom in spending that Booker T. Washington observed in the black community?
A family with only one fork but a $60 organ they couldn't play
What did Booker T. Washington have to do during some classes due to the condition of the roof of the shed?
Have a student hold an umbrella over his head
Study Notes
Booker T. Washington's Autobiography
- Students have been reading Booker T. Washington's autobiography, Up From Slavery, which has been their favorite reading material this year.
- Washington's life is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity, from growing up in slavery to becoming a successful educator and founder of the Tuskegee Institute.
Early Life and Education
- Washington taught himself to read at night while working in a coal mine during the day.
- He worked as a janitor to put himself through college, eventually graduating at the age of 23.
Founding of the Tuskegee Institute
- Washington was sent by his college president to Alabama to establish the Tuskegee Institute, the first college for black students in the region.
- Upon arrival, he found that the college had no buildings or teachers, and began holding classes in a rickety old shed behind the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Challenges and Experiences
- Washington often had to teach with a student holding an umbrella over his head due to the shed's leaky roof.
- He encountered many black families living in poverty and making poor financial decisions, such as buying expensive items like organs they couldn't play.
Life's Work and Philosophy
- Washington's life work at Tuskegee focused on promoting upward social mobility for black Americans through education in industry, entrepreneurship, and Christian values.
- His life exemplifies virtues such as perseverance, forgiveness, meekness, moral excellence, hard work, and frugality.
Review Day
- Thursday was a review day for the class's test on the Civil War.
Test your understanding of Booker T. Washington's autobiography, Up From Slavery. From his childhood in slavery to his determination to educate himself, this quiz covers the inspiring life story of this American icon.
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