How Did Booker T Washington Influence American Society

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Throughout history there have been many influential leaders who have fought for human and social rights. Unfortunately, a variety of races and cultures have suffered endless discrimination and mistreatment. African Americans have always had to fight for equality, the right to education and to be seen as influential members of American society. History has detailed many African American men and women who have attempted to end discrimination, some making strong strides and providing important messages. Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois were two leading figures of the black community during the late nineteenth and twentieth century. These two men both became historically known as advocates and influential

Washington was born into slavery in 1856. He eventually became the property of a Virginia farmer as his mother was the plantation cook. Throughout his childhood, although his father did not live far away, he did not pay attention to him. He essentially was fatherless until his mother remarired and he decided to take his stepfather’s last name and assume a new identity. At age 16, Washington enrolled in The Hampton Institute for Blacks where he was introduced to the idea of learning a trade. At this school, he not only learned how to become a janitor, but he learned the importance of hard work. It was during this time that Washington gained the belief that in order to earn the respect of white people, black people needed to work hard to prove their worth. Washington eventually worked hard enough so that he was eventually in charge of the Tuskegee Institute. He eventually purchased a plantation to serve as a permanent residence for the school. In contrast, W.E.B. Dubois grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Although he was proud of his black culture, he identified as mulatto. He spent his childhood attending white schools, socializing with white friends and totally integrated. His education was also supported and looked highly upon by whites. Dubois took his education very seriously and he eventually got a degree from Fisk University and a PHd from Harvard. He was the first black man to receive a

They both hoped to impact others so that blacks could gain the respect and equality they deserved. They both dedicated their lives to ending racism even though they went about it in completely different methods. However, underneath their ideals lied their common belief that education was important. For Washington it was trade education and for Du Bois formal education, but none the less, they both agreed that education was key. Most importantly, both of these men will forever be remembered as African American leaders and heros. They both fought hard for social change, impacted many lives and made a huge difference in