Up From Slavery Author:Booker T. Washington This is the autobiography of a great American, a man who though born in slavery became an outstanding educator and the acknowledged leader of his people. In the field of education Booker T. Washington believed that the Negro, but recently released from the bonds of chattel slavery, must learn first things first. He felt that the Negro must becom... more »e self-sufficient, able to hold his own in the labor market and build up a measure of economic security. After that, and with the full approval of the white South where lived the majority of Negroes, and equitable place would be found for the Negro as a citizen.« less
Listed on The Modern Library's 100 Most Influential Books for good reason! It is inspiring and gives one a great understanding of this time period. Booker T. Washington was an amazing man and we should all be aware of his story.