Rising Up Over Disadvantage

When I was in 6th grade, I learned about Booker T. Washington in Black History class.  I remember being curious about what could have made this person so special that he had schools named after him.  I was too young to understand his contributions.  Today, next to my computer, I have a quote by him:  “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

In brief…
Booker T. Washington was born into slavery in 1856, the son of a white father and black slave mother.  After emancipation, he did a variety of manual labor jobs.  He later attended what is now known as Hampton University and after that, Wayland Seminary.  He became a teacher and eventually the first leader of the new Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

He authored fourteen books, including his autobiography, Up From Slavery.  His diplomatic approach and hard work helped improve access to higher education for blacks, as well as race relations in general.

I’m always inspired by anyone who rises up over disadvantage, and this guy inspires me.  Thought you’d be too!

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Angela Loëb helps people rediscover and use their gifts so they can bring who they are to what they do.  To learn more, please visit: www.insyncresources.com.
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