Washington, Booker T.

Booker T. Washington was a prominent African American leader and educator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He founded the Tuskegee Institute, a school focused on vocational training for Black people, emphasizing hard work, self-reliance, and economic success. Washington believed that African Americans could improve their lives gradually through education and vocational skills, rather than challenging segregation directly. His approach aimed to gain respect and opportunities within a segregated society, making him a key figure in the struggle for African American advancement during his era.