The Harlem Renaissance An African American Cultural Movement Booker T. Washington

Booker T. and W.E.B Background During the HR, there were many influential black leaders who fought to change America for African Americans. Two of them include W.E.B Dubois and Booker T. Washington

Conflict of Ideas Both Booker T. Washington and W.E.B wanted the best for African Americans, BUT they had different ideas on exactly how blacks would achieve equality in society. More on that when we read the poem. Next, take a few notes on the accomplishments of Booker T. Washington. (We did W.E.B Dubois yesterday.)

Brief Notes on Booker T. Washington’s Accomplishments Born into slavery to a slave mother, and “unidentified” white father. Booker T. Washington founded & was the President of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, an all black university that focused on trades (construction, farming, etc.) and life skills. He believed that by providing needed skills to society, African Americans would play their part, leading to acceptance by white Americans. Wrote book Up From Slavery, received honorary diploma from Harvard.

After the Poem/Discussion….

In a nutshell: Booker T. Washington Criticism Booker T. Washington was criticized by W.E.B Dubois and the NAACP for his willingness to work with whites and not demand instant equality. He did not believe that becoming educated intellectuals would automatically solve the problem of racism, but becoming “hard workers” would work better in the favor of blacks during that time.

Writing Prompt Time… Please read the directions carefully. Please address all questions asked. Feel free to share with the class for 5 points E.C