Born a slave April 5th, 1856 in Hale’s Ford, Westlake Corner, Virginia, Booker T. Washington became one of the most celebrated educators and orators in the world.
Booker Taliaferro Washington was an American educator, author, orator and advisor to multiple Presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was a dominant leader in the African community and the contemporary black elite.
Mini Bio – Find out more about Booker T. Washington in this video.
Atlanta Compromised Speech – On September 18, 1895, Booker T. Washington was selected to give a speech that would open the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia. The speech, which is often referred to as the “Atlanta Compromise,” was the first speech given by an African American to a racially-mixed audience in the South.
A Deeper Look – Narrated by Derryck Green, fellow at Project 21, for Prayer University, this video explains some of the harsh realities black people faced after being freed from slavery and how Booker T. Washington grew into the man he became.
Personal Reflection – Booker T. Washington reminds me a bit of my dad, so I dedicate this video to my father who grew up in Pensacola Florida and overcame poverty with a passion for success. Like Mr. Washington, he never let poverty and racial disparity prevent him from succeeding in life. He took advantage of every opportunity, going from a painter at Markham Paint Company to dishwasher/busboy at Horn’s restaurant in Pensacola.
After joining the Air Force we moved to Vallejo California where he also served at Jay’s Governor’s Room, became the Nursing Supervisor at Doctors Hospital in Pinole, Director of Nurses at Kaiser Hospital and after attending school he eventually became a Flight Nurse in the United States Air Force reaching the rank of Colonel.
I listed these credentials to honour him as a proud son and to say, “never let your obstacles become an excuse for failure”. Thank you dad for being my hero and an example for all humanity… I love you dearly ❤
Albert Earl Jr.
Enjoy and please share as we honour black history… Thank you!!!