Booker T. Washington: A Life in American History

An illuminating historical biography for students and scholars alike, this book gives readers insight into the life and times of Booker T. Washington.

Booker T. Washington was an integral figure in mid-19th to early-20th century America who successfully transitioned from a life in slavery and poverty to a position among the Black elite. This book highlights Washington’s often overlooked contributions to the African and African American experience, particularly his support of higher education for Black students through fundraising for Fisk and Howard universities, where he served as a trustee. A vocal advocate of vocational and liberal arts alike, Washington eventually founded his own school, the Tuskegee Institute, with a well-rounded curriculum to expand opportunities and encourage free thinking for Black students. While Washington was sometimes viewed as a great accommodator by his critics for working alongside wealthy, white elites, he quietly advocated for Black teachers and students as well as for desegregation. This book will offer readers a clearly written, fully realized overview of Booker T. Washington and his legacy.

Presents a renewed profile of Booker T. Washington as a man who did all that he could to improve the lives of African Americans through self-determination and institution building

Includes 15 images of Washington and his contemporaries to provide visual support for the text

Includes 23 sidebars with interesting facts to enhance the main text

Includes 8 primary source documents to bring Washington’s words to life for readers