Up from Slavery: An Autobiography
Publisher Description
An Apple Books Classic edition.
“I was born a slave…in the midst of the most miserable, desolate, and discouraging surroundings.” Thus begins Booker T. Washington’s account of his incredible journey from a child enslaved on a Virginia plantation to one of the leading speakers and educators of the late 1800s. Washington shares formative experiences. He recalls carrying books to school for his master’s children while wishing he himself could learn and tells the story of how, after his family was emancipated, he walked almost 500 miles to enroll in a new school for Black people. Washington went on to found the famous Tuskegee Institute so that he could help others in his community receive a good education.
Throughout his personal anecdotes, Washington expresses his belief in the importance of education for creating a future free from oppression, particularly for Black people. His autobiography, and the ideas expressed within its pages, continue to spark conversation today, more than 100 years after its publication.
Customer Reviews
From Slavery to Success
Booker T. Washington proved that anyone can succeed in America with determination to do your best. He feared GOD and in all he did he worked to do his best and GOD honored that. He established relations with both ethnicities and brought healing to a nation despite great obstacles.
He is a wonderful person
Booker T Washington was a spectacular person, and a marvelous orator. He was not a good writer though. This autobiography is incohesive and incomplete. Because it comes from a series of articles, this is somewhat to be expected. However, Mr. Washington was also not interested in giving details or editing his writing, which makes an autobiography somewhat pointless. In addition, many of his theories on the future of race relations may still have a ways to go…
Hero
Never really knew Booker T Washington’s story. I am forever changed by the events of his life and I’m inspired.