Up from Slavery

Booker T. Washington believed that every man and woman deserved a chance, regardless of their skin color. This classic work of literature relays the story of a man born into slavery who, once freed, pursued education and racial equality. Originally published in 1901, the new edition of Booker T. Washington's autobiography features a foreword from media personality and advocate for the advancement of African Americans, Mychal Massie.In his story, Washington details his childhood and recounts his often tumultuous transition from slavery to free life. His unwavering efforts eventually lead to the founding and evolution of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, a college created to further the education of African Americans. The distinguished author and educator remembers such notable speeches as the Atlanta Compromise in 1895 and recognitions from Samuel C. Armstrong and President McKinley.ABOUT BOOKER T. WASHINGTONBooker T. Washington (1856-1915) was born into slavery and freed after the Civil War in 1865. After completing his education and teaching at Hampton Institute, he headed the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Upon giving his famous Atlanta Compromise Speech, Washington became a national figure and received an honorary master's degree from Harvard University and an honorary doctorate from Dartmouth College. The publication of Up from Slavery garnered Washington an invitation from Pres. Theodore Roosevelt to visit the White House, the first given to an African American.