The Negro can do this by making himself valuable in the community where he lives, by learning to do something better than anyone else. He believes it is best to bring together the races and to encourage friendly relations. How does Washington think the race problem can be solved? Blacks will achieve political rights as they acquire property and grow in intelligence and character. In time, he believes, southern whites will give the Negro political rights and will protect him in exercising those rights, provided they do not feel forced to do so. He considers it folly to agitate for political and social equality, believing that progress will come as the result of constant struggle rather than artificial forcing. He advises patience, as achieving such equality should be the result of natural, slow growth. What does Washington advise his race to do in order to achieve social and political equality? He highlights the similarities between the races and seeks to 'civilize' his students to be more like their white neighbors. Washington does not challenge the dominant white class, but rather seeks to assuage their guilt at enslaving his people by assuring them that blacks have no bitter feelings about their former masters. They, in turn, solicit his participation in political negotiations, such as requesting that the federal government support the Atlanta Exposition. He views all as potential helpers and is clear about his admiration of prominent white southerners. What is Washington's relationship with southern whites?ĭespite having been enslaved as a boy, Washington maintains an attitude of respect. For this reason he requires all students at Tuskegee to master a trade and to spend time doing manual labor along with studying academics. He encourages them to excel in some industry, be it agriculture, mechanics, commerce, domestic service, or some other area, and to dignify and glorify common labor. Rather than moving to the north, he advises blacks to 'cast down bucket where are' (83) and establish themselves in the south, making friends with their southern white neighbors. Washington believes that industrial education is the key. How does Washington aim to lift his race out of poverty?

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington