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Up from Slavery

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Up from Slavery

By: Booker T. Washington
Narrated by: Noah Waterman
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About this listen

Booker T. Washington fought his way out of slavery to become an educator, statesman, political shaper, and proponent of the "do-it-yourself" idea. In his autobiography, he describes his early life as a slave on a Virginia plantation, his steady rise during the Civil War, his struggle for education, his schooling at the Hampton Institute, and his years as founder and president of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, which was devoted to helping minorities learn useful, marketable skills.

He gives an account of his travels, speeches, and meetings with various leaders, including Theodore Roosevelt in the White House. Employing a didactic tone, Washington deftly sets forth his belief that the Black man’s salvation lies in education, industriousness, and self-reliance. This is the true-life story of a man of real courage and dedication.

Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856-1915), founder of Tuskegee Institute, was a leading educator, author, and statesman who rose from slavery to become internationally famous.

Public Domain (P)1995 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Americas Black & African American Cultural & Regional Historical Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences State & Local United States Discrimination War Civil War Social justice Biography Classics Africa

Critic reviews

"Nineteenth-century African American businessman, activist, and educator Booker Taliaferro Washington’s Up from Slavery is one of the greatest American autobiographies ever written. Its mantras of black economic empowerment, land ownership, and self-help inspired generations of black leaders, including Marcus Garvey, Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, and Louis Farrakhan…The potency of his philosophies are alive today in the nationalist and conservative camps that compose the complex quilt of black American society." (Amazon.com review)
"Remains one of the most important works on such an influential African American leader." (Professor Delia Crutchfield Cook, University of Maryland)
“This book is a must-read." (Professor Warren C. Swindell, Indiana State University)
All stars
Most relevant
Incredible life and contribution to the world through determination unselfishness and hard work. He died too soon.

Man whose history is worth teaching globally

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A magnificent book for both its history and lessons liberally shared throughout. I loved the “fingers & hand” metaphor.

Brilliance

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Nice listen got to know Booker T Washington interesting person did a lot for black people development

Great listen

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A master of his own destiny who was only ever a slave by circumstance. This should be compulsory reading in all schools

A true leader

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I'd vaguely heard of the author but was completely unaware of his incredible achievements. Born into slavery, he overcame numerous obstacles through his determination and character. His belief in improvement through education rather than political reform alienated him from others with more activist viewpoints, though his standing appears to have undergone a more positive recent re-evaluation. It's very vell written and the excellent narration fully reflects the character of the author. I'm so glad I came across this audiobook.

Remarkable story of struggle and success

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