Booker T. Washington in American Memory

by Kenneth Marvin Hamilton

Since the 1960s, many historians have condemned Booker T. Washington as a problematic, even negative, influence on African American progress. This attitude dramatically contrasts with the nationwide outpouring of grief and reverence that followed Washington's death in 1915. Kenneth M. Hamilton describes how, when, where, and why Americans commemorated the life of Booker T. Washington. For months following his death, tens of thousands of Americans, especially blacks, honored his memory. Their memorials revealed that Washington enjoyed widespread national support for his vision of America and the programs that he imparted to achieve his aspirations. Their actions and articulations provide rich insight into how a cross section of Washington's contemporaries viewed him. From private messages of solace to public pronouncements, countless Americans portrayed him as a revered national icon. Among other characteristics, commemorates voiced their appreciation of his humanitarianism, humility, nationalism, perseverance, philanthropy, progressivism, spirituality, and wisdom. Washington was the leading advocate of the Yankee Protestantism Ethic, which promoted education, and personal qualities such as pragmatism, perseverance, cleanliness, thrift, and the dignity of labor among African Americans.

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2017

Reviews

[Jim Gulley]

This slightly biographical account analyzes the legacy of Booker T. Washington through the prism of his death and memorialization. Dr. Hamilton takes a deep dive into newspaper obituaries, condolences, and memorial services from around the country in the aftermath of the Tuskegee principal’s death in November, 1915. He also provides a detailed timeline and description of events from the Sunday of his death until the Wednesday of his funeral and burial. Among the most poignant was the heavy symbolism of the student honor guard stationed at his open casket during the Tuesday “lying in state” ceremony in the Tuskegee Institute chapel.

Hamilton weaves his history through the themes of Washington’s life: his Yankee Protestant ethic, the Washington/Tuskegee symbiosis, the value of education, and the power of his oratorical skills. He also highlights Washington’s fund-raising skills, particularly with wealthy white elites in the North.

[David Mitchell]

Just ok

I was looking forward to this book, but grew tired of the constant use of what others said of him. I would have been more interested in a simple biography of the man.