Up from Slavery

It is common to compare Booker T. Washington unfavorably to other African American leaders or thinkers of his time or even of our own. I believe this book will help correct this. Washington, a former slave, was trying to redeem a poorly educated community and to free it from the mindset resulting from centuries of slavery and mistreatment. He wanted above all to inculcate a sense of self-reliance and a new work ethic in former slaves understandably averse to work. To this effect, he founded the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), which provided vocational training, rather than intellectual training. Washington was severely criticized for this, and for the "Atlanta Compromise" speech to a white audience in 1895 (With an open hand: "In all matters that are purely social, we can be as separate as the fingers." With a clenched fist: "Yet one as a hand when it comes to mutual progress.") .

Yes, we feel uncomfortable when we think about any limitation in the path of African Americans to economic progress and leading an unrestricted life. But Booker T. Washington was above all realistic, and this memoir shows the kind of obstacles he had to overcome. Thanks to his efforts, supported by such philanthropists as Julius Rosenwald (of Sears Roebuck) and others, a very large number of African Americans had access to a dignified livelihood. As a result of such initiatives, African Americans managed, just a few decades after the end of slavery, in spite of the Jim Crow legislation in place, in spite of lynchings, in spite of a whole system rigged against them, to move little by little up the social ladder, take advantage of manpower needs in fast-growing Northern industries, and enrich American culture in the arts, music, literature and other areas beyond all expectations.

Even the Tuskegee Institute evolved over the years and decades. George Washington Carver, one of the greatest scientists in the history of the United States (and also a former slave) taught there for almost half a century.

Even as he tried to improve the lot of African Americans, even as he tried to push them hard to do their best at all times, Washington never failed to remind white America of the enormous difficulties his "coloured brethren" had to overcome. A short excerpt from this book should prove the point:

"The world should not pass judgment upon the Negro, and especially the Negro youth, too quickly or too harshly. The Negro boy has obstacles, discouragements, and temptations to battle with that are little known to those not situated as he is. When a white boy undertakes a task, it is taken for granted that he will succeed. On the other hand, people are usually surprised if the Negro boy does not fail. In a word, the Negro youth starts out with the presumption against him.

"The influence of ancestry, however, is important in helping forward any individual or race, if too much reliance is not placed upon it. Those who constantly direct attention to the Negro youth's moral weaknesses, and compare his advancement with that of white youths, do not consider the influence of the memories which cling about the old family homesteads. I have no idea, as I have stated elsewhere, who my grandmother was. I have, or have had, uncles and aunts and cousins, but I have no knowledge as to where most of them are. My case will illustrate that of hundreds of thousands of black people in every part of our country. The very fact that the white boy is conscious that, if he fails in life, he will disgrace the whole family record, extending back through many generations, is of tremendous value in helping him to resist temptations. The fact that the individual has behind and surrounding him proud family history and connection serves as a stimulus to help him to overcome obstacles when striving for success."

In the long view of history, we tend to agree more with W. E. B. Du Bois (a giant in his own right), who thought African Americans had every right to study in classical academic courses instead of vocational, agriculture-oriented programs. But history is made (or takes place, if you will) step by step, and there should be no doubt today that Booker T. Washington made a major, perhaps an unparalleled contribution to the advancement of his race. And for this, we should all, African Americans or not, Americans or not, be profoundly grateful and motivated.

I hope only that the excerpt quoted above, one of the most moving I have ever read about the entire African American experience, will inspire everyone to read this book and learn from Booker T. Washington's own words.

I loved it from beginning to end! The passion, the devotion, the hardship the daunting of a dream that at times seemed impossible to be fulfilled. It's an incredible art of the up-most sincerity that at the time was needed for the southern people. I loved the sincerity of Mr. Washington's sincerity of his eloquence in speech that were hand-in-hand with powerful actions. The hardship of constant embarrassment of asking for economic help from door to door, the tenacity he endured to not give up and fight with honesty , with respect and dignity of living up to other people's money he did not see as begging but more inclined as an investment to his Tuskegee dream of education and how worthwhile this money he requested he indeed put it to work with the utmost respect and honor ability . I have no dislikes in the way this man conveyed his story on how Up From Slavery he was able to pull himself up along with his own people from poverty to usefulness of a race the whites saw as useless and incompetent. I'm very proud of what this man, Mr. Booker T. Washington has done for himself and of his brethren. By reading his book sounds very much biblical as to how JESUS Christ preached in unselfish ways that to treat one another as oneself as Mr. Washington did up to the end of his life. I chose this rating because the rating should be infinite. I recommend this book to the entire world that's in so much chaos. I recommend it to people who want to change. I recommend to ignorant people to see that this book made a difference to one man and passed along his wisdom to all those who wanted the same as his : knowledge to help one another for the same cause in such equilibrium and equality politics should read, teachers, parents, priests, children, educators, businessman, non-for-profit organization ALL THE WORLD because the way the world is moving we need to look at the past by enriching our minds with literature like this one to fulfill ones appetite of social justice, compassion and humility . All this selfishness , the law of "eye for an eye" needs to stop now with readings as this one, Up From Slavery education is a life long learning school . This literature has endeared my heart and enriched my soul that people like Mr. Booker T. Washington has dedicated his whole life for the passion of education and helping his race Up From Slavery that no one is exempt from lack of knowledge if not practiced enough with tolerance and patience that he proved worthy of when he put ALL his faith in all the supporters who helped him do "..all the work no one else wanted to do" I HIGHLY recommend this book to the immigrants ! Personally: I RECOMMEND HIGHLY!

Of several people in American history, I would like to have met Booker T. Washington. This book introduced me anew to a familiar group – Black Americans – as seen through the eyes of a former slave, a slave who propelled himself, through sheer determination, will, and hard work, to become the most prominent man of his race, who founded what is now the Tuskegee Institute, and who advised two US Presidents (Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft) on race relations in America. This book should be required reading for all high school students. It should especially be in the personal library of every Black American and everyone who thinks the world, or at least this country, owes him or her an entitlement of riches.

“Up From Slavery” is a powerful testimony of courage. The author was born a slave in Virginia in 1856. As a child he witnessed the end of the Civil War (1865) and came to realize the importance of education and hard work. He attended the Hampton Institute which was an industrial school for blacks in Hampton, Virginia.

Washington’s description of life as a slave and then as a free man is both vivid and compelling. Through his words we learn what it was like to live in a “home” with a dirt floor; to have no expectation of daily food; no clothing except what was being worn. Slaves at the time had only one name - their given name with no surname. In fact, after the Civil War and the new found freedom, one of the first things they did was to take a surname. What could this large group of oppressed and uneducated people, now freed from the bonds of slavery, do with their lives? Freedom meant they would be on their own and no longer living on the property of another. For the first time in their lives, they were able to exercise their God-given free will. But they were not prepared for this and many suffered as a result.

Rather than bend to the harsh reality of his life as a freed slave, Washington focused on the value he offered to others. For example, he wrote: “I had rather be what I am, a member of the Negro race, than be able to claim membership with the most favored of any other race.” And “…mere connection with what is known as a superior race will not permanently carry an individual forward unless he has individual worth, and mere connection with what is regarded as an inferior race will not finally hold an individual back if he possesses intrinsic, individual merit.” This basic drive and his passion for education, training and hard work kept him grounded and focused throughout his life. As he stated it: “I think that the whole future of my race hinges on the question as to whether or not it can make itself of such indispensable value that the people in the town and the state where we reside will feel that our presence is necessary to the happiness and well-being of the community.”

Washington died in 1915. He left an indelible mark on America, our society and on race relations. If Black American leaders decades later in American history, had taken lessons from him, our country and our racial relations would be better than they are today.

I bought this book simply because I have heard of Booker T. Washington for great many years of my life, so as I was wondering what to read his name popped into my head. As I started to read this book I realised it was Black History month so it felt fitting to read about this great man.

What struck me about this biography was the incredible drive for betterment after being sett free from slavery, you might say; and this surprises you? No, not at all, but imagine being a slave and being sett free, unable read, few if any skills to move you out from the shadows of human suffering. No leg up, no real help nothing, no home, no perceived security, nothing. What were people to do? Everything you knew is gone, you are free! Then it hits you, now what?

We now know, that many headed North but not Booker, his mother, brother and sister headed to West Virginia where his stepfather worked. As the story progresses we learn of the hardships of post slavery life and the drive of the newly freed to survive, understandably. But Booker, he had other ideas, first learn how to read, easier said then done for a black person in those days, then get an education, you see he’d heard about a school for black people and his journey there as a lad of perhaps or between the age of 11 to 12, his filled with grit and courage that would make most grown up’s think twice, he managed it and did it well.

This is a personal journey of a man with one driving force, do what it takes to educate black people, to become teachers, ministers, brick makers, farmers, builders you name it, in one sense you could say his school in Tuskegee became the first trade school of its kind in that time. He saw a need for skilled people, he understood that first you have to have the skills to survive in order to thrive. He brought the middle class to people who had been or their parents had been of the slave class. We as readers experience, his drive, his need to help his people, not for selfish gain but for them to succeed, enabling their children to succeed even further, reaching the highest of education and standards of living. Booker was laying a foundation for people to build on. Nothing is achieved without good foundation.

Booker T. Washington, his dream, and through hard work and discipline he made the dream come true, how he did it was brilliant, each step, each stone in the foundation of what became the Tuskegee Institute was built by the very people he educated, during their education as part of their education. Astonishing. He also had help from the outside, but it was harrowing at times to count on donations and the philanthropy of others. We see this persistence and hard work through most of the book.

After reading this book in one sitting mind you. Did I get a real sense of the man? Yes, we see what shapes his future in his childhood, we see where his drive comes from. But do we ever truly get to know Booker? No, not to the extent we would expect from an autobiography, his live revolved around the Tuskegee Institute, in fact, he says at one point in his book that he wished he had more time with his family, to enjoy time with them more like any other family, ( I am paraphrasing here).

However, what I do get a sense of, is a very humble, extremely intelligent clever man. With deep sense of responsibility towards his community. He walked a very fine line between the world of the whites where power and money lay and the world of the black community, newly freed, with all its challenges, heartaches, emotional trauma and continued poverty. I think we have to read this book through those lenses. Cultural relativism has no place in the interpretation of either the biography or the man.

I read Fredrick Douglas’s biography, essays and treaties and through his biography we get a very personal experience of life in slavery then freedom. Even the bigotry and strive between the races. Booker for some reason chooses to gloss over that part of his reality or was it ever a real threat to him, he mentioned having read Douglas’s biography, in fact he read it when he sailed home from Europe, he makes the point of saying that his experience on a transatlantic passenger ship was very different from Fredric Douglas’s.

So what are we to make of Booker? Well, I suspect he may have been on the autistic spectrum, his drive, his focus, it’s almost as if nothing else matters, he does not see whites as bitter enemies, he sees them as allies to succeed with his dream, he feels no hate (admirable, it’s not a way to success) he seeks no revenge, it’s almost as if his focus is so intense that he seems to brush of racism, not to dwell on it. I truly don’t know what to make of it.

In the end Booker T. Washington, is a mystery, well somewhat. He was not appeaser as some reviewers have said, he was no Uncle Tom ( if people had read Uncle Tom their realise that’s not an insult ). No Booker was a man ahead of his time, far more clever than some people can understand. Booker is a person to be admired and respected, he is now a part of the African American Historical quilt.

Leave all modern preconceptions of a black slave behind, read with out cultural relativism blinding you to his achievements, let no one rob African Americans of this man’s life, his story is now History. Respect that.

This is a book I had not read in school, and frankly, shame on the educational system for NOT insisting it be a part of the required reading. I have heard of Booker T. Washington, and I've heard of this book. I have heard of numerous men, places, and things mentioned in the book, but I've never read it. I've considered reading it many times, and I finally decided this year to meet some of my reading goals AND because this month is Black History Month, I'd go for it. I was looking for something different from my norm, and I saw it and figured this was as good a time as any. I must say that it blew me away. I honestly believe if this were a normally required reading, we would not be in the midst of the woke mess we're living in in America. How he must be rolling in his grave at what this country has done to itself! I think many of his time would think much the same. This is such a great book, and it really delves into issues on both sides of the race situation, from the perspective of a black man born into slavery. Not only does he rise up from that, but he goes on to become highly educated, to value the work of his hands, to rarely rest, and to seek the help of all (black and white alike) who can help him put his vision of raising up all of those of his race by educational means. Not only that, but in forming Tuskegee, yeah, THAT Tuskegee, he goes on to help ALL Americans who want a higher education, not just those who are one race or another. Tuskegee is the brainchild of Booker T. Washington. That I didn't know, but I sure understand a lot more about it as well as those who've gone through the school. This book is the humble words of a very humble man. Read it. You'll think long and hard about what you see for the future of this nation as well as what's really important today and for tomorrow.

An amazing story of courage and resilience. Gives more than any textbook, I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about life after the abolishment of slavery. I was astonished.

So here it is 100 years after Booker T. Washington's death. Here I am finally reading this classic wondering what took me so long to get around to reading it. I'm also wondering what is taking America so long to get over it's racial prejudices. Our bigotry and cruelty seems to come in waves in this country and right now is not one of our better times for some reason.

Booker was wrong about some things. He was wrong about the KKK being gone for good. He was wrong about his belief in steady progress of race relations. He was also wrong about hard work always being rewarded. But that's easy for me to see now.

He was right about his faith in the goodness of individual people, people who worked (with an ethic that shames us today), who studied, who served, who taught, who gave six eggs towards the building fund. People who gave money, and people who broke down barriers, thanks to bridge builders like Mr. Washington.

This is an easy reading fairly quick book that was for me compelling and unforgettable. Mr. Washington no doubt anticipated more white people than blacks reading this book (at least initially), for the simple fact that more whites than blacks could read, and afford a book. As a college president (and founder) and by default a racial ambassador, he also nobly and deftly kept the book positive and heaped plenty of praise onto many. I don't believe he saw the world through rose colored glasses. Plenty of others would criticize our greed, injustice and prejudice. And criticize him too. Booker looked up. Thanks to him a lot more of us can too.

I have the audio version and am on my 3rd time of listening to it. Ofcorse I’d heard his name before but listening to his story really touched me. Born a slave, died an educator. He is the definition of a winner. He knew what he wanted and he went after and got it. Even though life started horrible for him he later learned to inspire others.

This is a well written and overall great story.

What an inspiring life where human agency is shown at its heights . Too bad the Jim crows laws were allowed. Even a super human like Booker T. Washington could not stop this reversal.

Genel olarak bir dandiklik hissiyatı var kitabın, ancak içeriğini beğendim okunması gereken bir kitap olduğunu düşünüyorum

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshing it was to hear a larger-than-life story about a man who simply worked his way into the upper eschalances of society. The humility that Booker had was second to none. The vision and faith he had was second to none when you look at where he came from. Truly a miraculous story I realize that anything is possible in life when you have humility and no fear to work hard and put yourself in a situation where you could fail. A fantastic story and a must read for anyone looking for the secret to happiness and success in life.

I loved this book. Not only did the author describe the period before slavery was abolished, but he went on to describe how he clawed his way out of his situation and through sheer determination made a much better life for himself.

I particularly liked the fact that he described the help he received from others including the white population. He does not come across as feeling sorry for himself, although he may have been forgiven for doing so. He made up his mind to better himself and in doing so, he helped others to do the same. He made it clear to them that it would not be easy and if they were prepared to work hard and obey the rules, they could indeed better themselves as he had done. He went on to become a well respected member of society. To say more may spoil the book for those who have not read it but I think it truly deserves the five stars I have given it.

Booker T. Washington: once a slave, beat down and told he could do nothing, accomplish nothing; now an example to all men, white and colored, raised above others. Why? Hard work and a desire to do good in this world. He accomplished more than a lot, from getting into a school by sweeping and cleaning a room, to teaching at a night school, to starting Tuskegee, to speaking at huge events at which no black man had ever spoken. He met great men, did great things, built a great community, and loved greatly.

He wrote this autobiography about his truly great life. He wrote it simply, giving facts in a very interesting way (one thing that he felt was important while giving speeches). I had a hard time staying interested because I was very busy while reading it and felt like I had to rush to get it done. However, I liked it enough to know that I’ll read it again in a less-busy time and really immerse myself in it. There’s so much to learn, so much to discover in a life like Washington’s. While reading it I couldn’t help but be thankful for everything in my life. I was born with many luxuries given to me. Booker T. Washington started out with the clothes on his back and a dirt floor to sleep on. Education was a piece of paradise to him; food was a luxury beyond all comparison. I have always had both of those, in abundance.

One word to describe this book would be thankful. Not the word I would normally use to describe a book, but really, it is. Booker T. Washington’s thanks resonates throughout the whole story. Even when he was hungry and on the streets – I could almost taste his thanks whenever he’d receive a meal or a warm place to stay.

Wonderful. Recommended to all who love a good autobiography, and even to those who don’t.