Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington was a prominent African American educator, author, and orator born on April 5, 1856, in Virginia. Rising from the challenges of slavery, Washington dedicated his life to the advancement of Black Americans through education and vocational training. He founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where he emphasized practical skills and self-help, believing that economic independence was key to social progress. His experiences and insights into the struggles faced by African Americans are reflected in his writings, making him a vital voice in the discussion of race relations in America during his time.

Washington's most famous work, "Up from Slavery," is a compelling autobiography that details his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in education and civil rights. His thoughtful approach to issues surrounding race and opportunity continues to resonate today. As you explore his works in this app, you'll find a rich blend of personal narrative and important historical context that invites reflection on the past and its relevance to the present. Enjoy discovering the wisdom and resilience woven through Washington's life and writings!

Character Building

Read by Luke Sartor


Booker T. Washington



Character Building is a compilation of speeches, given by Mr. Booker T. Washington, to the students and staff of the Tuskegee Normal and Ind…

Up from Slavery: An Autobiography

Read by LibriVox Volunteers


Booker T. Washington



Up From Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington detailing his slow and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War…

Up From Slavery: An Autobiography (version 2)

Read by Mark Nelson


Booker T. Washington



Up from Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington sharing his personal experience of having to work to rise up from the posi…

Up from Slavery: An Autobiography (version 3)

Read by Andrew Kennedy


Booker T. Washington



Up from Slavery is the autobiography of American educator Booker T. Washington, describing his personal path up from the position of a slave…

The Future of the American Negro

Read by KirksVoice


Booker T. Washington



The history of African American enslavement, freedom from slavery, and the need for education as a prerequisite for success. - Summary by ki…

The Story of My Life and Work

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Booker T. Washington



The legacy of Booker T. Washington has inspired leaders for racial equality for over a century. He rose from a slave family to be adviser t…

Putting the Most Into Life

Read by Andrew Kennedy


Booker T. Washington



The chapters in this little book were originally part of a series of Sunday Evening Talks given by the Principal to the students of the Tusk…

Frederick Douglass

Read by Ciufi Galeazzi


Booker T. Washington



An account of the life of Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery to become one of the most important and influential abolitionists, authors…

My Larger Education

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Booker T. Washington



This is a sequel to Washington's first autobiographical book, Up From Slavery, which depicted his early life. He says "This book contai…

The Story of Slavery

Read by Darryl McElwee


Booker T. Washington



Booker T. Washington, the author of the following sketch of slavery in America, was himself born a slave, and the story of his life begins w…