Up from Slavery

Author: Booker T. Washington
ISBN: 9780140390513

Some chroniclers have called black history from 1881 to 1915 'The Age of Booker T. Washington' and the label is apt, for he was without question the most prominent spokesman for his race during the post-Reconstruction period. Many of his contemporaries deemed him a savior -- the one man who could bring concrete improvement to the lives of African-Americans while also promoting racial harmony. Others, particularly black intellectuals, called him a traitor to his race, asserting that his accommodationist position not only contributed to black disenfranchisement and dejure segregation but, in the words of W. E. B. Du Bois, 'practically accepts the alleged inferiority of blacks.' But however one judges Booker T. Washington, his vast influence is inescapable, and his autobiography, "Up From Slavery," winner of the National Book Award, is essential reading for anyone seeking insight into the black experience in the early 20th century. In "Up From Slavery," Washington does not dwell on his re

Publisher: Penguin
Publish Date: 1901

Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs, Biography & Autobiography / General, History / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877), Social Science / Ethnic Studies / African American Studies

This book is available in the following Community Centers: Cross-Cultural Center (Location: Black/African American (BLCK)), Cross-Cultural Center (Location: Black/African American (BLCK))