In the late 19th century, many African-Americans participated in the post-Civil War reform movements which geared towards the eradication of racism, the improvement of education and employment opportunities. Booker Taliaferro Washington stood out, strong and influential in an era when race relations amongst Caucasians and African-American’s were in anguish. Washington was an influential pragmatist that utilized ambiguity in order to maintain white recognition of his leadership. Washington’s experiences at Hampton University, cemented his belief that African American’s had a more realistic approach in their economic and educational standing through vocational learning. Washington created Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in order to mirror the principles …show more content…
Each chapter plays a pivotal role in illustrating how smaller events led to the creation of one of the major HBCU that we hear about in history today. Throughout the book there are various topics discussed, all-inclusive but not limited to: the people’s capacity for change, education and industriousness, and what it meant to be your own person. Washington uses these topics to illuminate the message he chooses to deliver to his …show more content…
He was influential by addressing social injustices that still even hinder us today. Washington had a admirable mindset and philosophy. Washington states “I have begun everything with the idea that I could succeed, and I never had much patience with the multitudes of people who are always ready to explain why one cannot succeed”(48). Throughout this book, one thing that I really enjoyed as a reader was Washington’s powerful belief of merit. I felt as though this was a driving force that touched every aspect of what he has notably done in history. His dismissive attitude for those who are pessimistic and those who let their disadvantages outweigh their advantages was phenomenal. I admire the fact that he was able to continuously move forward in a time when so many couldn’t fully see the extent of his