Washington, Booker T.

Booker T. Washington was an African-American teacher, author, presidential advisor, and civil-rights leader. Born in Virginia in 1856, Washington was of the last generation born into slavery. After emancipation, Washington attended college in Virginia, and gained fame as a result of his 1895 speech about the importance of educating African Americans and his belief that African Americans were capable of great feats through education. Washington s contribution to educational equality was made greater by his influence in the social circles of millionaires and self-starters, and he was the first A...