Booker Washington's Unwavering Commitment to Black Americans' Socio-Economic Development in the United States
Booker T. Washington, who had only received a primary education after being freed from slavery, was admitted to Hampton Institute on a probationary basis and demonstrated such excellence as a student, teacher, and speaker that the principal of Hampton Armstrong recommended him to Alabamans to lead them in establishing a school for African Americans in their state. He was hired as the first principal of a new school in Alabama in 1881. The first time a black person was offered such a high position was under a charter from the legislature for teacher training. In Washington, they quickly found the energetic and visionary leader they were looking for. As a result, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, which he developed from the ground up into the most reputable and stable higher education institution for African-Americans in the country. Washington was invited to speak at the Cotton States and International Exposition in 1895, ...