Booker T Washington

Booker T Washington was one of the best advocates in his time. Growing up in slavery and out coming the horrifying struggles of the 1870’s was a great effort. Born in the era were black people were like flies he found a determination to succeed and discovered many powers in life.

Washington childhood was one of privation, poverty, slavery, and backbreaking work. Born in 1856, he was from birth the property of James Burroughs of Virginia. He didn’t know his father but his mother Jane raised him and put him to work as soon as possible. Washington received no Education because it was illegal for him to receive an education. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, but it could not be enforced until the end of The Civil War in 1865. Washington’s stepfather was very fortunate because he found work packing salt in Malden. Jane moved to join her husband in Malden. The nine year old spent exhausting days packing salt. Like many blacks being free Washington wanted an education. When he was 16 he decided he wanted to go to Hampton Institute. He didn’t know if he was going to excepted and if he did were he would get the money to pay.. Hungry he arrived at the doorsteps of Hampton.

Hampton Institute became a big influence to Washington’s life. Armstrong, the founder of Hampton, believed in work,