Booker T. Washington

• Washington formed his own institute in 1881 after becoming a teacher. He ran the Tuskegee institute until his sudden death.
• Washington expected cleanliness, thrift, punctuality, sobriety, and hard work at his institute.
• At Tuskegee there was an emphasis on literacy and numeracy and practical skills. He inspired other institutions to do the same.
• In 1895, Washington argued on his Atlanta speech that if whites saw BAs as economic partners rather than a dangerous political opponent, the race question would eventually diffuse. Segregation would be accepted for the time being and that emphasis should be in education and economic opportunity rather than voting rights.
• Washington gained the interest of Theodore Roosevelt and the president frequently consulted him on AA questions. Invited him to the White House for tea.
• In 1900, the Negro Business League acted like a national centre for black chambers of commerce (organised by Washington).
• Criticisms:

  • Seemed to accept white supremacy and wasn’t challenging it
  • Limited and dangerous views for development of black race
  • Approach would lead to loss of franchise
• In private, Washington gave money to finance challenges to segregation and encouraged others to publish articles of criticism.