Thread by @jonathansampson

I’m only a few pages into Booker T. Washington’s book (My Larger Education), but his attitude and perspective were amazing. On dealing with rude/racist people: “I learned from this experience that it takes no more time to be polite to every one than it does to be rude.”

Booker T. Washington on the importance of voting, working with local law enforcement, and doing good work (even when nobody is there to give you praise).

Booker T. Washington on the friendship and wisdom of his friend, Captain Howard:

Booker T. Washington on the wisdom of those who were neither for or against “the Negro,” but understood “it is important to the commercial progress of the country that the Negro should be treated with justice in the courts, in business, and in all the affairs of life.”

Booker T. Washington on his friend, Rufus Herron. Rufus was born into slavery, and later freed. Afterwards, he gave selflessly to schools (including those which only taught white children), knowing the power of education.

“…how much more useful a man like Rufus Herron has made his life than the man who spends his time and makes a profession of going about talking about his ‘rights’ and stirring up bitterness between the white people and colored people.”

Booker T. Washington shares an encouraging and inspirational story about “Old Jim Hill,” and how his friendship with a white farmer/teacher changed his life forever.

“I have little patience with the man who parades himself as the ‘professional’ friend of any race…I like to meet the man who is interested in the Negro because he is a human being.”

“I have learned also…that persons who have a common purpose may still maintain helpful, friendly relations, even if they do differ as to details and choose to travel to the common goal by different roads.” — Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington on the close and trusted relationship between the White House (under Roosevelt) and The Press.

Booker T. Washington on public speaking.

“People who profess to have no respect for the newspapers as a rule, I fear, have very little understanding or respect for the average man.” — Booker T. Washington

Two types of kids: those who think they can’t, and those who know they can. Booker T. Washington was clearly the latter type. It’s obvious that he wouldn’t allow doubts to hold him back from achieving greatness.

Booker T. Washington on Northern Intellectual blacks who opposed his teaching of industrial skills to Southern blacks:

Booker T. Washington on naive college kids, who underestimate problems, and overestimate their ability or capacity to solve them.

I'd like to take a moment here and just appreciate the incredible burn delivered by the Minister 😂

This book is so great. Washington is a profound individual, and I'm looking forward to reading more tomorrow. Now I want to dig into his earlier writings too!

Took a few moments to just sit and look into the man's eyes, reflecting on what I read tonight. Thankful we have such excellent photos.

Booker T. Washington’s famous message delivered in Atlanta at the Cotton States Exposition in 1895. Washington’s point to focus on Human Capital is powerful; don’t be defeated by what you are not able to change. Do the most with what you have. Be of use to those around you.

Booker T. Washington on others’ desire for him to focus less on Human Capital and people, and more on politics. Washington saw more power in the former, and little in the latter. His own life was a testament, having gone from slave to advising multiple Presidents and more.

Booker T. Washington on Northern Blacks who despised his focus on industrial education for Southern Blacks, and considered any efforts to work with Southern Whites to be unthinkable.

Washington on one such college-educated Northern Black who decided to travel & lecture on Washington's perceived errors. I think I might have found his name from an Oct 25, 1901 paper. He claims Washington is "controlled by white people," and "must do as the white people wish."

Booker T. Washington on Victim Mentality. These are particularly heavy words coming from a man who personally experienced the full weight of slavery.

Booker T. Washington describes another group of individuals for whom he has little respect: those who profit off the suffering of their fellow man. Those for whom positive thinking, and/or other positive developments among the black race aren’t desired.

Booker T. Washington on those who failed to understand the environment of the Southern Blacks, deciding instead to raise protest on their misinformed ideas. And, when they received too little attention from Southern Blacks, they turned to violence, attacking those around them.

Booker T. Washington on how disruptive groups would seek to prevent him from speaking by placing themselves in various parts of the audience, and interrupting his presentation. Same tactic used to this day quite frequently.

Booker T. Washington on the irony of Northern Blacks disturbing his lectures in protest, being the first (and only?) group to do so.

Booker T. Washington on education. What an awesome teacher.

More on Booker’s philosophy of education—It was important to him that students spent less time in books, and more time in the world learning practical skills. Skills which gave them utility, and independence.

“I want to see education as common as grass, and as free for all as sunshine and rain.” Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington on Tuskegee’s “Extension Work.” Students learned while investing in the local community. I feel like modern schools should adopt quite a bit of Washington’s views.

Booker T. Washington on the transformative effect his schools would have on even the southern whites.

Booker T. Washington on politics, and the effect it often has on individuals. “I never could understand what there is in American politics that so fatally alters the character of a man.”

Booker T. Washington’s high praise of President Roosevelt.

Continued: Booker T. Washington on Roosevelt.

Continued: Booker T. Washington on Roosevelt appointing several colored men to political office.

Continued: Booker T. Washington on Roosevelt and Taft appointing colored men to office in hopes it would inspire the next generation of young black men.

Booker T. Washington on his love for the South.

Following a controversial decision to disband a negro regiment, Booker T. Washington still felt “…there is no individual who is more popular and more loved by the ten millions of Negroes in America than [Roosevelt].”