Booker T Washington Unapologetic Accommodationist

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Booker T. Washington once said, "an inch of progress is worth a yard of complaint."

Throughout Washington's career, he countered with much opposition from men such as William Monroe Trotter and W.E.B. Du Bois who felt that he was not doing enough to fight for an immediate end of racism and segregation in the United States.

Yet, Washington also had the support of working class African-Americans in the South who benefited greatly from his advocacy of industrial education. But most interesting to me, was his close relationship with white philanthropists and politicians. I have often wondered if Washington's philosophy of promoting education and entrepreneurship in lieu of racial equality was in the best interest of African-Americans during this time period. I still don't have an answer.

What do you think? Was Washington right to argue that African-Americans should prove their worth before gaining equal rights? Do you think he really believed in this philosophy or, was it a means to an end?

Suggested Reading

W.E.B. Du Bois

Progessive Era

African-Americans and the Progressive Era

William Monroe Trotter