Booker T. Washington

Booker T. "Tomas" Washington

Hi! My name is Tomas. But today, you can call me Booker T. Washington!

You may know me as activist, Founder of Tuskegee University, and hiring George Washington Carver to head my Botany Program!

I was born in Franklin County, Virginia on April 5th, 1865 and passed on November 14, 1915.

I first became interested in learning as a child. The urge to learn how to read took place when I was 7 years old and saw school kids from the plantation. I was able to practice by waking up at 4 in the morning.

In 1872, I left home and walked 500 miles to Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute in Virginia.

In 1875, I graduated from Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute.

In 1879, I returned to Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute to give speeches at the graduation ceremonies. I was employed by the school that following semester.

By 1881, I was qualified and founded what is now known as Tuskegee University.

The original name of Tuskegee University is “Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute.” The purpose of this University was to make African Americans self sufficient by learning trades and how to grow their own food to eat.

Tuskegee University started out in an old church building. By the time I passed in 1915, the University had over 100 buildings, 1,500 students, a 200-member staff, 38 trades and professions, and was worth nearly $2 million.

In 1896, I hired George Washington Carver to run the Botany Program at Tuskegee, University!

Today, I am Booker T. Washington. And so are you!