Booker T. Washington

Up from Slavery

1. IDEA 1

   Born enslaved, he longed to learn

   Booker T. Washington describes being born into slavery in Virginia and gaining freedom as a child after the Civil War. Working in salt furnaces and coal mines, he longed for an education.

2. IDEA 2

   He travelled far to study

   Washington walked and worked his way hundreds of miles to reach Hampton Institute, a school for Black students. He arrived with almost no money. Washington presents this journey as proof of how much he wanted to learn.

3. IDEA 3

   Sweeping a room proved his worth

   To gain admission, Washington was asked to clean a room. He swept and dusted it so carefully that he was accepted. Washington presents this test as a lesson that careful work, even on a small task, can open doors.

All 8 ideas from Up from Slavery →