Up from Slavery

Jul 28, 2008 Skylar Burris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, politics, history

It's interesting that with all the emphasis on "multiculturalism" when I was going through school, we never actually read any first source books like "Up From Slavery." However, I can see why some modern educators might want to avoid assigning this book: it does violence to a certain brand of philosophy because of its profound anti-victimization message and its focus on individual responsibility, the power of merit to supplant racism, and the necessity of climbing gradually rather than expecting...more It's interesting that with all the emphasis on "multiculturalism" when I was going through school, we never actually read any first source books like "Up From Slavery." However, I can see why some modern educators might want to avoid assigning this book: it does violence to a certain brand of philosophy because of its profound anti-victimization message and its focus on individual responsibility, the power of merit to supplant racism, and the necessity of climbing gradually rather than expecting to be catapulted instantaneously into an equality of outcome. Booker T. Washington doesn't sound like a proponent of affirmative action when he says, "The wisest among my race understand that agitations of social equality is the extremist folly, and that progress in the enjoyment of all privileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing."

Nor did Washington seem to have much tolerance for those who claimed they could not succeed because of their disadvantages. He sums up his attitude and his life success in one line: "I have begun everything with the idea that I could succeed, and I never had much patience with the multitudes of people who are always ready to explain why one cannot succeed." Washington was a great believer in the power of merit and repeatedly says that "merit, no matter under what skin it found is, in the long run, recognized and rewarded."

In "Up From Slavery," Washington insists that no amount of political agitation will elevate any race permanently if it does not first secure a foundation in "property, industry, skill, economy, intelligence, and character." As early as the Reconstruction, Washington was bemoaning that in D.C. "among a large class there seemed to be a dependence upon the Government for every conceivable thing…I…have often wished…I might remove…these people…and plant them upon the soil…where all nations and races that have ever succeeded have gotten their start, a start that at first may be slow and toilsome, but one that is nevertheless real." This attitude may explain why Washington saw fit to require labor of his Tuskegee students. Talking about prejudice does little to overcome prejudice, but, he says, the "actual sight of a fist-class house that a Negro has built is ten times more potent than pages of discussion about a house that he ought to build, or perhaps could build." Thus Tuskegee students, no matter what their financial position, were required to do things such as building their dormitories with their own hands and growing their own food.

Some have been critical of Washington's belief that liberal education must be combined with vocational education, but he did not want his students to grow too proud to use their hands, and he desired to teach them the beauty and dignity of labor. He also acknowledged that the mass of people cannot all make their livings as doctors and lawyers and intellectuals. "No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem." So students learned not only liberal arts, but skills such as brick making and farming. "The individual who can do something that the world wants done," said Washington, "will, in the end, make his way regardless of his race."

Washington's account of his life, from his childhood in slavery (covered only briefly) through his education to his rise in prominence as an educator, shows an amazing lack of resentment (and even some degree of pity) for the white men who oppressed his race. Indeed, he considers the white man to, in a sense, have suffered from the institution of slavery also, for it destroyed his merit by taking "the spirit of self-reliance and self-help out of" him. Washington magnanimity is owed, perhaps, to his mentor, from whom he learned "that great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a spirit of hatred." This is not to say he never criticizes the white man, but he explains, "I early learned that it is a hard matter to convert an individual by abusing him, and that this is more often accomplished by giving credit for all the praiseworthy actions performed than by calling attention alone to all the evil done." He says that more can be learned from coming into contact with great men and women than from books, and he would likely be appalled by the modern educational tendency to focus on the flaws rather than the virtues of historical leaders.

Washington's philosophy and manner of presenting it has occasionally earned him disapprobation. Du Bois said that in this book, Washington soft-pedaled the horrors of slavery, promoted stereotypes of blacks, and was less than honest about the racism he encountered. Perhaps Washington did not dwell on these issues because he believed "success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." At any rate, this is Washignton's story as he himself tells it, with "no attempt at embellishment," and whether or not you agree with his philosophy on life, it is hard not to find the tale inspirational and uplifting.

Washington has often been accused of "pandering" to a white audiences, and I think this may be because of the inability of ordinary people to comprehend the greatness of character that is able to let go so utterly of resentment and bitterness and to understand that we are all in the same boat, and that what I do to keep you down is likely to injure me as well.

The book was not always a gripping read; there is a lot of mundane detail; it isn't a literary masterpiece, and the autobiographer often repeats himself, but Washington is such an admirable figure to me and has so many great moral insights into life, that I often found myself wanting to underline the text. I agree with Washington that we learn most by studying great men and women, and I wish when I was in school we had studied more in-depth the lives of more people like Booker T. Washington. But greatness was not something we were much encouraged to meditate on in our "multicultural" education: prejudice, inequities, class consciousness, war, oppression, human weakness, and, alone on the positive side, occasional minority accomplishments, but not GREATNESS of CHARACTER. It's a shame, because the characters of great men and women do inspire.
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Jan 06, 2009 Terence rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography, history-general, history-us

I read this book in 2nd or 3rd grade. I can remember the scene: The teacher had spread out a group of biographies on the Willie Harris Elementary school library's table and asked us to chose one to read and do a report on. For whatever reason, I picked up Booker Washington's and enjoyed it. It was probably my first conscious introduction to slavery and blacks in American society; and his philosophy of self-reliance and education has influenced my own outlook to this day.

I don't know how I would...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Aaron rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: african-american-studies

A fascinating historical tidbit: Washington, upon the recommendation of his publisher, actually excised his originally proposed subtitle for Up from Slavery, which was, of course, Into Jim Crow.

Up from Slavery, contrary to what seems to be popular opinion around here, is not the inspirational tale of an ex-slave pulling himself up by his own bootstraps, but rather it's the story of a vile race traitor, who, just short of literally, sold his own people down river with his odious philosophy of acc...more

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Laura Wood From what I've read about Washington, he led a very different private life from the public life portrayed in the book. He used his influence to gain s...more
Jan 19, 2013 06:56am

Aaron Washington went far beyond what was necessary as a matter of political expediency—endorsing Jim Crow, siding with robber barons in labor disputes, sla...more
Jan 23, 2013 03:56pm

Montez You are spot on Aaron. I knew what I was getting into but I read the because it was both a historically significant novel and a quick one-day read.
May 04, 2013 12:58pm

Jan 11, 2012 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-figures

Booker T. Washington was born a slave around the year 1858-59. Slaves were set free in 1867 when Abraham Lincoln delivered his Emancipation Proclamation address. Booker then moved to West Virginia with his mother and two brothers and sister, they met up with his father. He worked as a salt grinder, worked in the mines and then as a laborer for a white lady. His goal was to get an education, he saved up to go to Hampton, working days while going to school at night. He then went back to Malden, We...more

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Feb 04, 2011 Yearning To Read rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, classics, historical, nonfiction, own, reviewed

Booker T. Washington: once a slave, beat down and told he could do nothing, accomplish nothing; now an example to all men, white and colored, raised above others. Why? Hard work and a desire to do good in this world. He accomplished more than a lot, from getting into a school by sweeping and cleaning a room, to teaching at a night school, to starting Tuskegee, to speaking at huge events at which no black man had ever spoken. He met great men, did great things, built a great community, and loved...more

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May 23, 2008 Laine rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: any person old enough to read

Recommended to Laine by: it was one that I read in high school and wanted to reaquaint my

I learned (what I had forgotten about this book) is that Booker never had trouble trusting that people would help him. He placed his trust in God and by doing so he knew that when the money was needed to build up the school at Tuskegee that it would be there. And it was and mostly from white people. it seems that they were more tolerant of the black population then that some are now. The school members worked as well as went to school and all succeeded in life. We need more of this kind of drive...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Q rated it 4 of 5 stars

Incredible person...definitely in my top 5 people I'd most like to have dinner with (or more correctly, with whom I'd like to have dinner). He was living proof that a person's worth matters little where you start out in life and much more to do with how you choose to live that life.

For a man born into slavery in the South to have such a lifelong approach to equality for ALL people is amazing. Some of the bigotry and hate Booker T. Washington must have endured while growing up and getting educate...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Thom Swennes rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: All with a thirst for knowledge

“Too big to be small” is how Booker T. Washington described General Samuel C. Armstrong (1839-1893) but, in my opinion, would apply equally to this remarkable educator, author and orator. I was both surprised and impressed with this autobiography. Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was born a slave in Virginia. As a young boy of 11 he was freed by the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation along with his family and all slaves in the United States. His recollections of his youth aren’t particular...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Lora rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was FABULOUS. I loved the wisdom and ideas--especially for today's political and economic climate. We read it on our trip through the south and after visiting the grandson of an ex-slave (who knew his grandfather well). A definite must read! So many nuggets of wisdom throughout! He speak of the importance of family connection and responsibility. "The very fact that the white boy is conscious that, if he fails in life, he will disgrace the whole family record, extending back through man...more This book was FABULOUS. I loved the wisdom and ideas--especially for today's political and economic climate. We read it on our trip through the south and after visiting the grandson of an ex-slave (who knew his grandfather well). A definite must read! So many nuggets of wisdom throughout! He speak of the importance of family connection and responsibility. "The very fact that the white boy is conscious that, if he fails in life, he will disgrace the whole family record, extending back through many generations, is of tremendous value in helping him to resist temptations. The fact that the individual has behind and surrounding him proud family history and connection serves as a stimulus to help him to overcome obsacles when striving for success." (pg. 25). And a little comment on success, "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." (pg. 27). "Every persecuted individual and race should get much consolation out of the great human law, which is universal and eternal, that merit, no matter under what skin colour, is in the long run, recognized and rewarded." (pg. 18). You know how people ask who you'd like to meet if you could? After reading this book I would love to meet Boooker T. Washington and hear him speak! I loved his emphasis on practical education. "The older I grow, the more I am convinced that there is no education which one can get from books and costly apparatus that is equal to that which can be gotten from contact with great men and women. Instead of studying books so constantly, how I wish that our schools and colleges might learn to study men and things!" (pg. 38). And his recipe for success, "I have begun everything with the idea that I could succeed, and I never had much patience with the multitudes of people who are always ready to explain why one cannot succeed." (pg. 46) Hate whining! One of my favorite ideas is the value and importance of work. "...I not only learned that it was not a disgrace to labour, but learned to love labour, not alone for its financial value, but for labour's own sake and for the independence and self-reliance which the ability to do something which the work wants done brings...the happiest individuals are those who do the most to make others useful and happy." (page 51). Loved this little tidbit, "In all my teaching I have watched carefully the influence of the tooth-brush, and I am convince that there are few single agencies of civilzation that are more far reaching." (pg. 52). After reading about George Washington's constant battle over his teeth I am sure that he would agree! Again he taught of "practical" teaching. Imagine our current presidential candidates preaching this, "How many times I wished then, and have often wished since, that by some power of magic I might remove the great bulk of these people into the country districts and plant them upon the soil, upon the solid and never deceptive foundation of Mother Nature, where all nations and races that have ever succeeded have gotten their start--a start that at first amy be slow and toilsome, but one that nevertheless is real." (pg. 63). Booker T. Washington was successful because he just did his work in a calm and straightforward way..."From the first, I have advised our people in the South to make friends in every straightforward, manly way with their next-door neighbour, whether he be a black man or a white man." (pg. 97). "...I learned the lesson that great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a sprit of hatred. I learned that assistance given to the weak makes the one who gives it strong; and that oppression of the unfortunate makes one weak...I pity from the bottom of my heart any individaul who is so unfortunate as to get into the habit of holding race prejudice." (pg. 116). I have also found this to be true, "After considerable experience in coming into contact with wealthy and noted men, I have observed that those who have accomplished the greatest results are those who "keep under the body; are those who never grow excited or lose self-control, but are always calm, self-possessed, patient and polite." (pg. 128). Even a little commentary on a current political question about "rich" people. "...have no patience with those people who are always condemming the rich because they are rich...those who are guilty of such sweeping criticisms do not know how many people would be made poor, and how much suffering would result, if wealthy people were to part alla t once with any large proportion of their wealth in a way to disorganize and cripple great business enterprises." (pg. 128). I think this was one of his strong mottos and a worthy one, "I said that any individual who learned to do something better than anybody else-learned to do a common thing in an uncommon manner--had solved his problem, regardless of the colour of his skin, and that in proportion as the Negro learned to produce what other people wanted and must have, in the same proportion would he be respected." (pg. 142). "In my contact with people I find that, as a rule, it is only the little narrow people who live for themselves, who never read good books, who do not travel, who never open up their souls in a way to permit them to come into contact with other souls-with th great outside world...I have found that the happiest people are those who do the most for others; the most miserable are those who do the least...the longer I live the more experience I have of the world, the more I am convinced that, after all, the one thing that is most worth living for-and dying for, if need be-is the opportunity of making some one else more happy and more useful." (pg. 161). Again, a few words on the importance of work. "There is a physical and mental and spritiual enjoyment that comes from a consciousness of being the absolute master of one's work, in all its details, that is very satisfactory and inspiring...I believe that when one can grow to the point where he loves his work, this gives him a kind of strenth that is most valuable." (pg. 185). "No man who continues to add something to the material, intellectual, and moral well-being of the place in which he lives is long left without proper reward." (pb. 199). Booker speaks of the importance of "pure, unselfish useful living." What a novel concept! Work hard for unselfish purposes and you will come into your own!(less)

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Jul 22, 2012 Brian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography

"The wisest among my race understand that the agitation of questions of social equality is the extremest folly, and that progress in the enjoyment of all the privileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing. No race that has anything to contribute to the markets of the world is long in any degree ostracized".

*From a speech given by Mr. Washington to whites and blacks in Atlanta on 9/18/1895

This was a great book that lets us get...more

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May 02, 2012 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Sudents

Recommended to Christine by: Teacher

Freed during the Reconstruction Period, former slave Booker T. Washington desired to attain a position of importance in a culture struggling to adjust to the emancipation of blacks. In his autobiography Up from Slavery, Washington continually stressed his idea that, “… there is something in human nature which always makes an individual recognize and reward merit, no matter under what colour of skin merit is found.” After he found success for himself through hard work and, often, physical labor,...more Freed during the Reconstruction Period, former slave Booker T. Washington desired to attain a position of importance in a culture struggling to adjust to the emancipation of blacks. In his autobiography Up from Slavery, Washington continually stressed his idea that, “… there is something in human nature which always makes an individual recognize and reward merit, no matter under what colour of skin merit is found.” After he found success for himself through hard work and, often, physical labor, he strove to impart that knowledge to young African-Americans for the benefit of his race as a whole. By doing so he earned the respect of whites and blacks alike, and left behind a legacy remembered even today.
Booker began his narrative by explaining how the newly freed blacks that lived with him on the plantation began to reconstruct their lives. Many families torn apart by slavery traveled great lengths to reconnect with each other. They moved far away from the families that had owned them to avoid being enslaved again. Many blacks took on new, longer names with meaningless middle initials as they felt this was an “entitlement” previously only afforded to white people. All of this was an attempt to gain the secure positions in the community that many white families enjoyed. Instead of learning a trade, however, many black men and women were sure that the only way to “make something of themselves” was to learn complicated and foreign subjects like Latin roots, accounting and bank keeping, and French grammar. The goal of every African-American was to gain a formal education, and Booker T. Washington was no different. He heard of Hampton Institute, a school for blacks, and struggled to raise the funds necessary to travel there in the hopes that he might attend. It was through this endeavor that he first discovered that there is no shame in physical labor.
Since his family was poor, Washington had no funds to aide him in attending school. Though he had been taught that success lies in education, philosophy, and “intellectual” thinking instead of manual labor, he earned his way through his courses at Hampton Institute by serving as a janitor and cleaning houses in the surrounding neighborhoods after his classes were over. Through his own experiences he began to learn that the successful foundation for the black man is the one he creates for himself through hard work with his hands. However, he continued to see other blacks stubbornly refusing to learn a trade, intent on learning subjects they could not practically apply to life. Many men suddenly felt “called” to be a preacher simply because they were tired of working in the fields, and blacks that could only write their names or read simple words were hired as ineffective school teachers to other blacks. These blacks believed that in order to be useful and irreplaceable members of society they had to learn and work in the same way as the white men, but in cases such as these they did nothing that built a sustaining foundation for their race.
Washington was able to finish his schooling because he followed his philosophy of building a foundation through manual labor. After accepting teaching positions at several small schools for blacks, he tried to instruct his students on the benefits of vocational learning. He believed that when the physical needs of the white men were met by the hard and skillful work of the blacks, African-Americans would slowly gain a place of respect in society that would lead to opportunities for them to teach and study more intellectual subjects. When he was asked to help construct a new school in Tuskegee, Washington put these ideas into practice by instructing the students of the institute in the construction of their own school buildings, furniture, and supplies. He also taught them cleanliness and the idea that practical knowledge was more beneficial to them at that time than the study of complex novels and textbooks.
As Tuskegee Institute continued to grow and attract students, people of all races from both the North and the South appreciated and respected the educational approach of the school and supported the school financially. Through Tuskegee and subsequent schools like it, African-Americans gained the skills that were not only necessary for the Reconstruction of the States, but for their personal, positive integration into society. Instead of attempting to become identical to the white men, they had allowed their unique merits and skills to be significantly displayed through hard work and physical labor, and demonstrated there was no shame in this fundamental approach to ever broadening their future success.
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Jan 06, 2012 Evelyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history, philosophy, 1850-present

Booker T. Washington is officially added to my list of favorite people. His positive and nonjudgmental attitude is exemplary in so many ways. His way of stepping back, seeing a situation for what it really is, unprejudiced by pride or excessive passion, is truly amazing. His insights are so valuable that I think this book should be required reading for everyone.

Washington was born a slave, and was about 8 years old when Emancipation came. Life was little better afterwards, though, for a while. H...more Booker T. Washington is officially added to my list of favorite people. His positive and nonjudgmental attitude is exemplary in so many ways. His way of stepping back, seeing a situation for what it really is, unprejudiced by pride or excessive passion, is truly amazing. His insights are so valuable that I think this book should be required reading for everyone.

Washington was born a slave, and was about 8 years old when Emancipation came. Life was little better afterwards, though, for a while. He still had to work hard all day, and his living conditions were similar to what they had before. With freedom comes responsibility as well as opportunity. His tireless efforts to get an education are just amazing, along with the people who helped him along they way. He never expected to receive something for nothing, but he worked hard to make sure he merited the very best of opportunities. One of my favorite stories is his college entrance exam. He had traveled to the Hampton Institute (some 500 miles away from his home) on foot mostly, sleeping in the street and eating next to nothing. He showed up looking like a "loafer or tramp", and was not immediately admitted. Washington was determined to "impress [Miss Mary F. Mackie, the head teacher] in all the ways [he] could with [his] worthiness." Finally, Miss Mackie asked him to sweep a recitation room, and Washington knew instantly that here was his chance to prove his merit, his work ethic, and his eagerness to be admitted to the school.

"I swept the recitation-room three times. Than I got a dusting-cloth and I dusted it four times. All the woodwork around the walls, every bench, table, and desk, I went over four times with my dusting cloth. Besides, every piece of furniture had been moved and every closet and corner in the room had been thoroughly cleaned. I had the feeling that in a large measure my future depended upon the impression I made upon the teacher in the cleaning of that room."

His cleaning job so impressed Miss Mackie that he was admitted to the college, and offered a job as the school janitor which he was very happy to accept so that he might earn a little money to help with expenses. Washington says that Miss Mackie "proved to be one of my strongest and most helpful friends".

After college, he taught school in his hometown, he taught at the Hampton Institute, and finally he was asked to start a college in Alabama, which he calls his "life's work". He also became the most famous orator for race relations in the United States at the time. What he accomplished was simply amazing, and his work ethic is inspiring. One certainly feels that a man (or woman) can accomplish great things if they are willing to work hard and put up with the dirt and hardships that come with the job. I'll end with a quote:

"I believe that any man's life will be filled with constant, unexpected encouragements...if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day of his life-- that is, tries to make each day reach as nearly as possible the high-water mark of pure, unselfish, useful living. I pity the man, black or white, who has never experienced the joy and satisfaction that come to one by reason of an effort to assist in making some one else more useful and more happy."(less)

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Jun 20, 2011 TeacherMrLoria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although Booker T Washington doesn't get quite the respect as Frederick Douglass or other prominent abolitionist movement leaders he does have some valid things to say and a pretty compelling story. His legacy is contriversial, as he advocated working for whites and trade school as the way to structure the black community after the abolition of slavery. Washington was big on the value of manual labor, and felt that the ability to work with one own hand's made one a stronger person and it was not...more Although Booker T Washington doesn't get quite the respect as Frederick Douglass or other prominent abolitionist movement leaders he does have some valid things to say and a pretty compelling story. His legacy is contriversial, as he advocated working for whites and trade school as the way to structure the black community after the abolition of slavery. Washington was big on the value of manual labor, and felt that the ability to work with one own hand's made one a stronger person and it was not a degrading position. Since blacks had just exited slvery, many felt differently, feeling that the purpose of their education was to elevate them above manual labor. That is another reason Washington left a mixed legacy. One important thing to remember was that this was a much less Uncle Tom position than it appears now. Interesting book, well worth a read to those interested in African American history.

Quotes

I can scarcely imagine any torture, except, perhaps, the pulling of a tooth, that is equal to that caused by putting on a new flax shirt for the first time. 34

One may get the idea from what I said, that there was a bitter feeling toward the white people on the part of my race, because of the fact that most of the white population was away fighting in a war which would result in keeping the Negro in slavery if the South was successful. In the case of the slaves on our place this was not true, and it was not true of any large portion of the slave population in the South where the Negro was treated with anything like decency. 35

I had learned from sombody that the way to begin to read was to learn the alphabet, so I tried in all the ways I could think of to learn it, - all of course without a teacher, for I could find no one to teach me. At that time there was not a single member of my race anywhere near us who could read, and I was too timid to approach any of the white people. 43

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. 50

At Hampton, for the first time, I learned what education was expected to do for an individual. Before going there I had a good deal of the ten rather prevalent idea among our people that to secure an education meant to have a good, easy time, free from all necessity for manual labour. At Hampton I not only learned that it was not a disgrace to labour, but learned to love labour, not alone for its financial value, but for labour's own sake and for the independence and self-reliance which the ability to do something which the world wants done brings. At that institution I got my first taste of what it meant to live a life of unselfishness, my first konwledge of the fact that the happiest individuals are those who do the most to make others useful and happy. 68

They knew more about Latin and Greek when they left school, but they seemed to know less about life and its conditions as they would meet in at their homes. 76

No white American ever thinks that any other race is wholly civilized until he wears the white man's clothes, eats the white man's food, speaks the white man's language, and professes the white man's religion. 81

My experience is that there is something in human nature which always makes an individual recognize and reward merit, no matter under what colour of skin merit is found. I have found, too, that it is the visible, the tangible, that goes a long ways in softening prejudices. The actual sight of a first class house that a Negro has built is ten times more potent than pages of discussion about a house that he ought to build, or perhaps could build. 111

In order to be successful in any kind of undertaking, I think the main thing is for one to grow to the point where he completely forgets himself; that is, to lose himself in a great cuase. In proportion as one loses himself in this way, in the same degree does he get the highest happiness out of his work. 126

[Talking to whites, one of his most contriversial quotes] In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress. 148(less)

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May 16, 2011 David rated it 3 of 5 stars

This second ghost-written autobiography of Booker T. Washington presents the carefully crafted public persona that he wanted. Beneath the mask of a humble, saintly,acetic and patient Negro is a power-hungry, self-aggrandizing man. Washington played his cards close to the vest and was sure that he never offended white people from the North or the South. He curried favor with captains of industry such as Andrew Carnegie and Roger Baldwin who eventually set him up for life. Nevertheless, Washington...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Tryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, autobiography

No matter how modestly this man tries to tell his story, the facts of his life shine with the luster of greatness. Booker T. Washington spent his early childhood as a slave on a plantation in the south. After the Emancipation Proclamation was read from the porch steps of the “Big House,” Booker’s ambitions to gain an education and make something of himself propelled him through every obstacle to his goal. Booker T. Washington was a tireless promoter of education for his race and of Tuskegee, the...more

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Dec 16, 2010 Rachael Szydlowski rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first of the nonfiction books I read was Booker T. Washington’s Up From Slavery. Before reading this text, I knew very little about the accomplishments of Booker T. Washington, only being familiar with the name–knowing he was important to African American and US history, but not why.

The short text (166 pages in total) highlights Washington’s childhood days, first as a slave and then as a struggling family in West Virginia. The book next delves into his time at Hampton Institute, where he wen...more The first of the nonfiction books I read was Booker T. Washington’s Up From Slavery. Before reading this text, I knew very little about the accomplishments of Booker T. Washington, only being familiar with the name–knowing he was important to African American and US history, but not why.

The short text (166 pages in total) highlights Washington’s childhood days, first as a slave and then as a struggling family in West Virginia. The book next delves into his time at Hampton Institute, where he went to school and where he later taught. The largest sum of the text was dedicated to his time as the principal of the Tuskegee Institute and his public speaking engagements during that same time.

Washington’s style of writing is very enjoyable to read. He offers many antidotes and stories to go along with the points he is making, and he manages to share his personality and voice through his writing. However, I was quite taken aback by his critical outlook on Southern African Americans and his glowing approval of white Southerners. While it was clear that Washington was for the betterment of his people, and he believed that this best be achieved by the cooperation of white and black people in the US, his many of criticizing people of his own race, especially considering the long, difficult road they’ve encounters, surprised me. Clearly, I was not around when this text was originally published (1901), but I would assume that the racial climate was quite difficult. I worry that a text such as Washington’s might be used to further support the racist actions and notions of some white people in the US.

From additional reading, I discovered that Washington received pretty harsh criticism from W.E.B. Du Bois, as well as the NAACP, for his soft and accommodating manner. Du Bois believed that Washington should take a stronger stand for the civil rights of African Americans. However, Washington maintained that pressure and anger would not be helpful in advancing the place of African Americans in Southern society.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this text. I learned quite a bit about an important figure in American history, and I was presented with a perspective different than what is usually shared in a history classroom. However, while the work done by Washington was admirable (especially the literal creation of the Tuskegee Institute), I find myself leaning with the position of Du Bois, Washington needed (and possibly had the social and political power to) take a stronger stand against the position of African Americans in American society.(less)

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Sep 06, 2010 Rosanne Lortz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Born a slave in 1856, Booker T. Washington was only a child when the American Civil War commenced. After the war ended and the slaves were emancipated, young Booker moved to West Virginia with his mother, brother, and step-father. The newly freed slaves had to work hard to support themselves, and Booker (not even a teenager yet) did hard labor in the salt factories and coal mines to earn wages for the family. Even though he had few chances for education, Booker set his heart on learning to read,...more Born a slave in 1856, Booker T. Washington was only a child when the American Civil War commenced. After the war ended and the slaves were emancipated, young Booker moved to West Virginia with his mother, brother, and step-father. The newly freed slaves had to work hard to support themselves, and Booker (not even a teenager yet) did hard labor in the salt factories and coal mines to earn wages for the family. Even though he had few chances for education, Booker set his heart on learning to read, and once he had mastered reading, he determined that he must learn more.

After several years, Booker heard about a new school for blacks established in Virginia called the Hampton Institute. With barely enough money for traveling expenses, he made his way to Hampton and asked to be admitted as a student. He did not have the money to pay either room and board or tuition at Hampton, but the school was used to finding sponsors to pay tuition for promising young people. One of the teachers gave Booker an unusual admissions test, instructing him to sweep one of the classrooms. Booker went over that room with the broom again and again, cleaning it so thoroughly that the teacher was amazed. He was admitted to the school and given janitorial work, the wages from which he could use to pay his room and board.

Booker excelled at the Hampton Institute becoming a noted public speaker. In his autobiography, he emphasizes that the most important thing he learned there was not to despise manual labor. He notes that many blacks of the time wanted to get an education because they thought that if they had book learning they would no longer have to do work. Booker came away from Hampton believing that it was just as important for the members of his race to master manual labor trades as it was for them to become men of letters.

After receiving further education at Wayland Seminary, Booker was ready to become a teacher and pass along all the knowledge he had gained. General Armstrong, the head of the Hampton Institute, recommended Booker to head up a brand new school for blacks in Alabama. It was called the Tuskegee Institute, and Booker spent the rest of his life establishing, nurturing, growing, defending, and delighting in this school.

Booker developed the truths he had learned at Hampton into an educational philosophy for Tuskegee. All students were required to learn a trade at the same time as they pursued their academic studies. Brickmaking was one of the more popular trades, and Tuskegee was renowned for the fine quality of bricks produced at the school. The students were required to build their own dormitories, furniture, and classrooms, giving them an even further appreciation of working with their hands so that they would have the opportunity of learning with their heads.

The Southern white folks who lived around the school were surprisingly sympathetic to and supportive of all of Booker T. Washington’s efforts. Many of them contributed money for the establishment and maintenance of the school. As the Tuskegee Institute began to become renowned, the community took pride in its excellence.

Enrollment increased every year, and Booker was forced to spend more and more time fundraising. He traveled constantly to cities like Boston, to speak before clubs, community gatherings, and wealthy philanthropists. He describes his efforts not as begging, but as a simple laying down of the facts of the matter. Once the wealthy citizens in America heard about the school, its mission, and its success so far, they were happy to open their wallets without even being asked.

Booker became an increasingly public figure, a figurehead for the African American population in America. He received high praise for his Atlanta Address in 1895 and even corresponded with the president of the United States. The autobiography of Booker T. Washington shows a humble man who was willing to work slowly to help his race become better off intellectually, morally, and spiritually. His philosophy was that no matter the difficulties you face, hard work and merit will be rewarded in the end.

“I have always been made sad,” he writes, “when I have heard members of any race claiming rights and privileges, or certain badges of distinction, on the ground simply that they were members of this or that race, regardless of their own individual worth or attainments…. I am conscious of the fact that mere connection with what is known as a superior race will not permanently carry an individual forward unless he has individual worth, and mere connection with what is regarded as an inferior race will not finally hold an individual back if he possesses intrinsic, individual merit. Every persecuted individual and race should get much consolation out of the great human law, which is universal and eternal, that merit, no matter under what skin found, is in the long run, recognized and rewarded.”(less)

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Apr 17, 2010 Eric Daniel le Scalphinator rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-for-school

This book was one of two auotobiographies that Washington wrote, and is obviously the one tailored to the sensibilities of white readers of the time. It avoids too many gritty details, whether about slavery itself or the toil of his later education, but shares enough to make a believable memoir. In spots it takes a distant air, but these thankfully don't persist. For the most part, Washington wrote with a geniality that takes on an air of wisdom when considered with the content of the book itsel...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Elizabeth Rapalo rated it 4 of 5 stars

I find it interesting that Booker T. Washington had such a close family unit as a slave. In other readings we have read the young slaves have always been separated from their mothers and put in the care of a caretaker slave for most of their young life. Washington was lucky and got to keep his family. He had true support from his mother and brother that made sacrifices for each other.
In respect to Chesnutt’s story and what I commented on why we accepted happy slaves I think it applies here as w...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Abby added it

Honesty: If I was not currently in rural Australia with only an e-reader and Project Gutenberg, I wouldn't have picked this up.

That said, I'm not sure why this narrative is not wildly popular with modern audiences. Maybe it just needs to be put on a new shelf, since it reads like one of the better-selling self-help titles: Self Sufficiency 101, Starting Your Dream NonProf/Business/Institute of Higher Education, The Key to Financial Success, The Social Benefits of Dental Hygiene, The Power of Opt...more

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Apr 20, 2009 Kris rated it 5 of 5 stars

The most amazing life, full of perserverance, vision and sacrifice. After emancipation and years of long, hard work, Booker T Washington educated himself and then instead of thinking about his needs and climb up the social ladder, he thought of the other freed slaves, one third of the south's population, and spent the rest of his life educating and advocating for them. While he, like so many others, recognized they were awash in financial poverty, he was one of the few who saw their only way out...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Cody rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was an incredible novel. Insight into Washington's personal life, business endeavors, and controversial affairs give the reader a sense of hope for the degraded "second class citizens" of America, and Washington provides for a window through which we observe the struggles in pursuing the most fundamental rights of all civilized life--an education. His pleas to whites and building up of the African American spirit is inspiring to say the least, and at a deep enough level where he not only re...more

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Aug 03, 2012 laysia!!!! rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I Think this book is so good as Booker T. Washington works as many things with his sister and 2 brothers (1 was adopted) his stepfather and his mom who are all living together again .One day they reunited because of the emancipation proclamation even though the master and his family were really nice.But every since they got a free life it has been tough when your free you have to live on your own and provide for yourself as to a slave you have everything already provided its hard to do it when y...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Staci Wigton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: academic-school

I absolutely loved Washington's simplistic nature and writing style which is vastly different from Du Bois and his radicalistic writing style. Even though Washington seemed to many scholars as "submissive" I found him to be more deliberate and strategic in that way. He states that he was a former slave who had been freed, and desperately wanted to become educated and go to school to learn. When the chance came up to be a kind of principal at a new institute for African American students in the S...more I absolutely loved Washington's simplistic nature and writing style which is vastly different from Du Bois and his radicalistic writing style. Even though Washington seemed to many scholars as "submissive" I found him to be more deliberate and strategic in that way. He states that he was a former slave who had been freed, and desperately wanted to become educated and go to school to learn. When the chance came up to be a kind of principal at a new institute for African American students in the South, he jumped on the opportunity! Why would a recently freed slave return to the South where, even though it was the Reconstruction Era, there was still evident lynchings, violence, and prejudices against African Americans.... Maybe the reason for his evident "submissiveness" was to make sure his teachings lived beyond his life time? Du Bois felt that Washington was wrong in not addressing the miserable circumstances of slave life, but in fact it seems that Washington was trying to avoid the entire conversation! He wrote this book to be read by WHITES, so he obviously would not be criticizing them for the past when he is trying to make them support his school. He wanted to teach his students industrial education--he made them build their school from the ground up! Maybe he wanted to ensure there were NO entangled promises he had to keep with the whites if they were involved in building and funding the school. There is a bit of kissing white people's asses from Washington; he obviously wants them to realize the "great Christian deed" they are committing by allowing African Americans this chance to learn. He states that the happiest people in the world are those who do the most for others. Washington also states that in helping the African Americans, the white people are in turn helping themselves!! If the whites invested in the African American people, they were adding to their community wealth; the betterment of blacks is advantageous to the whites. Washington is very deceptive I felt in this autobiography.... We know that in his private life he was very politically active, but refused to allow that be shown in his public life! This was in protecting himself and his school. ..... JUST MY OPINION. I feel this book is best to be read alongside Du Bois' The Souls of Black Folk as a compare and contrast of two different African American leaders****(less)

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Oct 13, 2011 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of a very poor black child of slaves who grew up to be one of the most powerful and influential black men in history. Booker T. Washington's service to his own race and to the Southern white slave owners was huge. He was recognized and lauded by the great leaders of the world. His childhood was very harsh with few family experiences but he was eager to learn and as he grew to adulthood he longed for a better way to teach his people how to survive in their new world of independe...more This is the story of a very poor black child of slaves who grew up to be one of the most powerful and influential black men in history. Booker T. Washington's service to his own race and to the Southern white slave owners was huge. He was recognized and lauded by the great leaders of the world. His childhood was very harsh with few family experiences but he was eager to learn and as he grew to adulthood he longed for a better way to teach his people how to survive in their new world of independence. From slavery to freedom did not come easily for either the freed slaves or the people who had enslaved them. Old biases and beliefs got in the way of working together, but Booker T. Washington had the gift of seeing the problems, finding the solutions and soothing the waters of unrest that plagued the southern world after the emancipation declaration.
Mr. Washington was almost totally responsible for the founding of the famous Tuskegee Industrial Institute,in Alabama which was started with thirty students and one teacher, and housed in a broken down shanty and an old chicken house. Mr. Washington spoke where-ever he was invited, raising funds for his school. Thanks to his great efforts it is now worth millions of dollars, and has graduated thousands of students, both black and white. His firm commitment to having the students participate in the work of building the actual structures of the college was resisted at first but resulted in teaching skills that made the student employable so they soon became willing participants. An inspiring story, well presented and a look at history as it was being created.
of the Tuskegee College(less)

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Aug 19, 2008 Bianca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Engrossing and totally fascinating, and a surprisingly easy-to-read autobiography. Booker T Washington pulled himself "up from slavery" to found the Tuskeegee Institute, a school where newly-freed black men and women could advance themselves through learning a trade and becoming educated. Read this for his descriptions of his life during slavery and his unbelievable determination to become educated himself.

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Feb 03, 2011 Kyle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Up from Slavery is an excellent insight into the life of Booker Taliaferro Washington, and his life-long desire to better himself as well as both the black and white people of the South. This autobiography begins with Mr. Washington’s childhood where he grew up as a slave, and continues throughout his adult life. Hard work is something that Mr. Washington believed in, and he felt it was essential that all students of the Tuskegee Institute must embrace.

One of the things that struck me the most a...more

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Feb 05, 2013 Morgan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: school-read

"School-read" books usually recieve negative reviews from me as they are a forced read and not one that I want to read, but this book was an autobiography. Not only that, but this was an autobiography of someone I had no interest in, so my level of enthusiasm as you can expect didn't quite reach any new heights.
Honestly I just felt like this book was either a lie, and if it wasn't than Booker T. Washington has to rank next to Buddha, or Gandhi in his ability to find no faults in others, and to...more "School-read" books usually recieve negative reviews from me as they are a forced read and not one that I want to read, but this book was an autobiography. Not only that, but this was an autobiography of someone I had no interest in, so my level of enthusiasm as you can expect didn't quite reach any new heights.
Honestly I just felt like this book was either a lie, and if it wasn't than Booker T. Washington has to rank next to Buddha, or Gandhi in his ability to find no faults in others, and to completely forgive past transgressions and to hold no grudges. However, I do not feel that was the case. I honestly feel that this book, this autobiography, was intended to show a fake front to white people to support Washington's interests such as his work at Tuskegee.
I was annoyed that at the mention of every new character he practically reiterated the same statement of "and this individual was the most influential, kind hearted, selfless individual who was so great in bla bla bla." I mean it may be the cynic in me that found this the most disconcerting, but I don't think so. I honestly wish every person was this kind and great and selfless, and it's not that I was annoyed at the fact that he met great people. I think I started off saying this incorrectly, and my mentioning of me being a cynic irrelevant. It's not that I don't believe the people mentioned by Washington really aren't good people; I honestly hope and believe the people he mentioned truly were genuinly nice individuals, but when he gave practically the same description of all of them when introducing them by praising them in the same way it reduces the effect in comparison to if he had solely described General Armstrong as such.
Another example of this was when describing the emotions of non-specific characters mentioned. When talking about the students at Hampton, Tuskegee, or any workers in general Washington either wants to give off a wonderful impression of everyone he comes in contact with or honestly doesn't notice the disgruntlement of others. At the mention of any and every inconvenience, or unbelievable strain of work or duty Washington notes of his fellow man that they were all "never so happy to do this work or take this burden and never complained ever." Again, with the previous paragraph, the effect might have been better, but since he uses the same descriptions when mentioning the work done by everyone he meets it leads me to not only get annoyed, but also believe it isn't true. This was definitely proved by the essay, "Taking Sides" where I was shown from an outside perspective that the students were in no way as pleased to take these burdens as Washington described and were actually upset in majority over some of his sanctions.
So for a few reasons I just didn't really like the book. The tone just seemed too forced and with that, it didn't seem natural. I feel the purpose of this book wasn't to give an honest perspective of Washington's life, but to do what he had done his whole life which was to stem the tide between the races and give a front to hopefully mend the differences between the two races. I can't blame Washington for what he did. Even if he was lying when he said slaves held no ill will toward their former masters or when he described the Klu Klux Klan in the nicest way anyone possibly could because the book was a huge success and all of his work actually helped with the movement he was working towards. So even though Washington did what he did for a reason, and I can respect that, I still don't have to like the book becasue I know the truth. Haha. Well I like to think I do.(less)

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May 17, 2013 Etta Mcquade rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I learaned that 100 years ago in March, Booker T. Washington came to Utah and met with local leaders, attended receptions in his honor, and spoke to educators, University of Utah students and the African- American community, I knew I had to read his autobiography. He was a remarkable man and the most eminent African-American of his generation, rising from slavery, learning to read, becoming a teacher, establishing Tuskegee Institute, giving speeches before prominent groups, receiving an hon...more

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May 15, 2012 Pete daPixie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biogs, history-u-s

I have plunged head first here into mid-late 19th century American history, which for me, is a murky, steaming, unknown lagoon, full of snapping reptilian creatures. Ask me who Booker T. Washington was and I would be off thinking of 'green onions' and Stax soul.
Reading this biography, first published in 1901, has exposed me to the moral and socio/political changes of post Civil War America. 'Up from Slavery' documents the incredible rise from slave plantation shanty shacks in Virginia to the 'I...more

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