Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) was a prominent African American educator, author, orator, and political leader in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a significant figure in the post-Civil War era and played a vital role in the advancement of African Americans during a period of racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Here are some key points about Booker T. Washington:1. **Early Life and Education**: Booker Taliaferro Washington was born into slavery in Franklin County, Virginia. After emancipation, he worked as a child laborer and struggled to obtain an education. However, he was determined to learn and eventually attended Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University), where he developed vocational skills and a passion for education.2. **Tuskegee Institute**: Washington became the founding principal of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama in 1881. Under his leadership, the institution focused on providing practical education in agriculture, trades, and domestic skills to empower African Americans to become self-reliant and economically self-sufficient.3. **Atlanta Compromise Speech**: One of Washington's most famous speeches, the Atlanta Compromise speech delivered at the Atlanta Cotton States and International Exposition in 1895, encouraged African Americans to focus on economic self-improvement and vocational education rather than immediate political and social equality. He believed that by proving their worth through hard work and economic success, African Americans would eventually gain the respect and acceptance of white society.4. **Accommodationism vs. Agitation**: Washington's philosophy of accommodationism, which stressed cooperation with white leaders and gradual progress, contrasted with the more radical approach of civil rights activists like W.E.B. Du Bois. This ideological divide became known as the "Washington-Du Bois Debate" and reflected different strategies for African American advancement.5. **Racial Uplift**: Washington was a proponent of racial uplift and believed that African Americans should uplift themselves through education, economic development, and self-help. He emphasized practical skills, character development, and community building.6. **Books**: Washington authored several books, including his autobiography, "Up from Slavery," which remains a classic work in African American literature and provides insight into his life and ideas.7. **Legacy**: Booker T. Washington's approach to racial progress had a lasting impact on African American education and the civil rights movement. His ideas influenced the development of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the creation of vocational training programs.8. **Criticism**: While Washington's emphasis on self-help and economic advancement resonated with many African Americans at the time, he faced criticism from those who believed he was too accommodating to white supremacy and not aggressive enough in demanding civil and political rights.Booker T. Washington's contributions to education and his advocacy for economic empowerment played a significant role in the early struggle for civil rights and equality for African Americans in the United States.
Measures 7 inches.
Bronze finished polystone.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.