«
»
31Aug/11Off

DARE TO DREAM BIG: From Illiterate Slave to Renowned Educator

Imagine This: You’re born a black slave in Virginia and more than anything, you want to go to school. But since it’s against the law to educate slaves, you aren’t even taught to read or write. So do you give up your dream for an education?

Growing up a slave in Virginia, you live in a one-room dirt-floored cabin with no windows and you and your family sleep on rags heaped on the floor.

When the Civil War ends in 1865, you and your family move to West Virginia where your stepfather has found work in the salt mines. More than anything, you want to go to school, but your family needs the money, so you and your brother work with your stepfather in the salt mines.

Your stepfather finally agrees to let you go to school a few months of the year if you continue to work in the salt mines from four o’clock until nine o’clock in the morning and then return to work in the mines for a few more hours after school. Unable to keep up that grueling schedule, you soon have to drop out of school and work all day at the salt mines.

When you’re about twelve, you go to work in a coal mine where you hear two men talking about a new school for African Americans. It’s called the Hampton Institute, and it’s a school set up by whites to educate African Americans after the Civil War.

Black students can pay their way by working at the school, and you know that you have to go there! It takes you weeks to make your way over 500 miles to the Hampton Institute, walking most of the way.

While at the Hampton Institute, you work as a janitor to pay your way. Then after your graduation, you return to your hometown where you teach day school, night classes, and two Sunday schools.

In 1881, you’re selected to be the principal of a new school for African Americans in Alabama called Tuskegee. When the school opens on July 4, 1881, it’s little more than a broken-down shanty and an old hen house with one teacher and thirty students.

Under your leadership, the Tuskegee Institute becomes one of the most famous schools in America. You tell your students to build their own houses so they will never be homeless and to grow their own food and raise their own animals so they will never be hungry.

Your enormous capacity for hard work and your success in winning financial and moral support for the cause of African American education earns you a national reputation as the outstanding black leader of the day.

When you die in 1915 at the age of fifty-nine, you’re one of the most powerful black leaders of your time. You’ve come a long way since your childhood as an impoverished slave who dreamed of one day learning to read!

“I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.”
Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)

Excerpted from They Stood Alone!: 25 Men and Women Who Made a Difference by Sandra McLeod Humphrey

For More about Booker T. Washington

Giving Back:  Booker T. Washington was committed to African American education, and he was a major influence in raising funds to start schools and colleges for African Americans.

Did You Know  that he was the first African American to be invited to a formal dinner at the White House?

Something to Think about:  Washington believed that the way to gain equality was through education. Do you agree or disagree?

 

Willoughby and I hope you enjoyed this week’s true story and will be back next week for another story to inspire you to DARE TO DREAM BIG!

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , ,

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 at 9:37 am and is filed under Character. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

125 Responses to “DARE TO DREAM BIG: From Illiterate Slave to Renowned Educator”

  1. Sandy Wolters says:
    August 31, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I absolutely love this blog. Thank you.

  2. Keith Flanagan says:
    August 31, 2011 at 11:10 am

    What a great and inspiring story!

    I was held by every word and the context threw up so many vivid images for me.

    I was kept enthralled and left enthused.

    Thank you so much.

    With best wishes,

    Keith

  3. Vicki Tate says:
    August 31, 2011 at 11:53 am

    That was a great article/post. The triumphs of some people never cease to amaze me. Thanks for sharing!

  4. David knight says:
    August 31, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    Brill and such an informative post…write on! Many thanks dave

  5. Ann H Barlow says:
    August 31, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    What an inspiring article and I hope it will help some of the more fortunate to take less for granted.

    I was reminded of a story I read not that long ago about a young girl from Somalia who lost her parents during the civil war. She not only educated herself and that meant a 2 mile walk to attend the classes but she also educated her siblings and if I remember correctly there were five of them. The most remarkable thing was that she was just 13 years old.

    I do love articles that make people look outside themselves.

  6. Marla Madison says:
    August 31, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    Well done. He is an inspiration to us all. Makes my daily concerns seem so small!

  7. Vincent Scocuzza says:
    August 31, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    It’s a fascinating story, and I totally agree with what Washington believed in as far as gaining equality through education. I think that education, above all, is the tool that opens our eyes and creates awareness about who we are and what is around us. Education can inspire us and again, you can be the most educated person in the world but it will serve no purpose if you don’t “act”.

  8. Arielle says:
    August 31, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    wow, Sandy! This is an excellent blog. The information was so intriguing and inspiring. This is excellent information for children. I am sure it’s a historical account that will encourage quite a few of them to triumph through any academic obstacles they may have. After all, if Booker T. Washington can do it, so can they. I will continue keeping an eye on your site, as I have a growing three year old with a new found passion for learning (he’s in Head Start). Thank you for much for sharing this wonderful site!

    -Arielle

  9. Jermaine Donaldson says:
    September 1, 2011 at 7:58 am

    Ahhhh, WOW!

    I’ve always thought that the Booker T. Washington story was one of the best American Success stories every “lived.” His ability to supercede his circumstances and find a way to impact countless lives is noteworthy. Honestly, if there was one other African American person in the world that I would give a Washington Memorial to it would be good Booker T.

    Great Article!!!

    • Sandra says:
      September 1, 2011 at 9:50 am

      Thanks, Jermaine, I’ve also got to learn more about his wife. Apparently, according to Madame Walker, Mrs. Washington was quite an outstanding individual in her own right. Please drop by again!

  10. Johnnie Johnson says:
    September 1, 2011 at 8:39 am

    Absolutely first class. Very important for young proplre to learn from the example of such significant people.

  11. John says:
    September 1, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    Nice post. Very educational. I did not know about this person. The video is a nice touch.

  12. Brenda Sills says:
    September 2, 2011 at 12:10 am

    What a wonderful, inspiring post! I love history and learning things about people who lived in different eras. And you even have a video – it’s fantastic! I’m a fellow Campaigner in the MG/YA group. It’s so great to meet you!

  13. Brenda Sills says:
    September 2, 2011 at 12:13 am

    And how immensely wonderful that you’re helping kids!

  14. Robyn Howzell says:
    September 2, 2011 at 6:23 am

    I love this blog.

  15. Crystal Collier says:
    September 2, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    Love, love, LOVE history. What a great article! I’m another Campaigner, popping my head in to say “hello”. Lovely blog.

  16. Dee Waltz says:
    September 2, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    What an awesome website with great information you have! I wish I’d have found this when my kids were younger! You’re doing an awesome job here Sandra – so glad we met.

  17. Catherine Lockey says:
    September 2, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Education is the key to all good things in society and each person’s most valuable asset. Thank you for sharing Booker T. Washington’s powerful story. I love his quote about the existence of dignity in all lines of work. Nice post.

  18. O. Warfield says:
    September 2, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Hi Sandy. You’ve done it again. Loved it. What a man. Don’t let me miss any of these. I play a little game with myself, not letting my eyes go down to the name until the end.

    Very enlightening. I say to myself, “I use to know that.” At least I think I did, ha, ha.

    O.

    • Sandra says:
      September 3, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      I know what you mean– I’m always discovering new things about these amazing people and then I am again in awe!
      Thanks for dropping by!

  19. John McCullough says:
    September 2, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    The idea of daring to dream big is a concept we should all strongly embrace…the young and the not so young :-) Great post!

    John

  20. Sarah Billington says:
    September 3, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    Really interesting, thanks for posting it!

  21. Meredith Mansfield says:
    September 4, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Great post. I remember finding a book on Booker T. Washington when I was in grade school oh, ages ago.

    Hi from a fellow campaigner.

  22. Michelle says:
    September 5, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    What a wonderfully written article, about a truly inspirational man. Looking forward to future chapters!

  23. paulina says:
    September 6, 2011 at 11:33 am

    His life is an awesome example of a hard-working visionary during a dismal period! Paulina (www.paulinajaramillo.wordpress.com)

  24. Ignacio says:
    September 6, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Important advice! I have been previously seeking something such as this for quite a while now. Bless you!

  25. Laura Kumin @MotherWouldKnow says:
    September 6, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    I remember learning about Booker T. Washington when I was a kid, but never heard these stories. He is an amazing inspiration. Thanks.

  26. Shelby from Parsimony's Closet says:
    September 7, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    What an uplifting piece! Thank you for messaging me. I’m really enjoying your site!

  27. Sueann says:
    September 11, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    Hi Sandra, I absolutely LOVE this article – and I enjoyed how you tried to put the reader in the shoes of the heroine. This tale reminds us that we can still achieve our dreams even if certain opportunities did not go according to plan. Thanks for writing this!

  28. Brad Bullington says:
    September 13, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    Sandra- Thank you for turning me on to your blog! Great stuff! It’s funny, I like to think that I write to motivate, but you truly write to “inspire”. Keep it up… I really enjoy! Brad

  29. Augustine Agerton says:
    September 18, 2011 at 12:07 am

    Some really fantastic blog posts on this website , appreciate it for contribution.

  30. Nancy says:
    September 20, 2011 at 10:03 pm

    Much appreciated for the information and share!
    Nancy

  31. Laurette Daggy says:
    October 8, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  32. Noelia Gaukroger says:
    October 10, 2011 at 10:56 am

    You got a very fantastic website, Gladiola I found it through yahoo.

  33. Stan Faryna says:
    October 11, 2011 at 6:31 am

    Booker T. Washington has been an inspiration for me ever since college when I read his autobiography, Up From Slavery. I even went to see the one room cabin where he was born. Actually, the original cabin is long gone. But going there was a spiritual pilgrimage and I was awakened to beautiful things.

    One of my favorite quotes from Booker T. Washington defines success in an unusual manner. I believer it to be worthwhile – nonetheless.

    I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.

    Thank you Sandra. Thank you for reminding me of Booker T. Washington, his struggle, and his success. He was a tirelessly good man. A better man than I.

    Thank you for your wonderful works. You are a educator. You do amazing things. I celebrate you and your good works. A gazillion thank you’s just for you, Sandra.

    Recently on my blog: Do you ignore the road signs too? And other social media DOHs. http://wp.me/pbg0R-rq

  34. Milagros Mauss says:
    October 18, 2011 at 2:35 am

    I really like your writing style, good info , thankyou for posting : D.

  35. Wild Sage Homestead says:
    October 18, 2011 at 8:45 am

    What an inspiring blog ~ especially for kids! I skimmed several of your articles and love the “Dare to Dream Big” series. Great idea!

    I thought I would comment here since I’m from West Virginia. :)

    Keep up the great work.

  36. Josef Moros says:
    October 22, 2011 at 2:03 am

    You obviously know your stuff. Wish I could think of something clever to write here. Thanks for sharing.

  37. Geena482 says:
    October 22, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    Another awesome post! Definitely can’t wait for more!

  38. τιμεσ ξυλινα σπιτια says:
    October 25, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    You…are…my…hero!!! I cant believe something like this exists on the internet! Its so true, so honest, and more than that you dont sound like an idiot! Finally, someone who knows how to talk about a subject without sounding like a kid who didnt get that bike he wanted for Christmas.

  39. Elvira says:
    October 26, 2011 at 12:12 am

    Love this site!

  40. Delpha Speidel says:
    October 31, 2011 at 1:52 am

    Couldnt be written any better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  41. Petrina Challinor says:
    November 1, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I want to express my admiration of your writing skill and ability to make reader to read the while thing to the end. I would like to read more of your blogs and to share my thoughts with you.

  42. Roxanne Manasco says:
    November 2, 2011 at 4:58 am

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.

  43. Jeanine Nugent says:
    November 3, 2011 at 4:52 am

    good writing so far …Bookmarked.

  44. Yesenia Poire says:
    November 3, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Finally a smart blogger…I love how you’re thinking and writing!

  45. Charmaine Crock says:
    November 4, 2011 at 4:51 am

    I must say you have a cool post. This hit the spot and then some! Thanks for posting this and sharing it with the world. I’ve just bookmarked your site. And I will check back soon to read your other articles. Keep up your awesome work.

  46. Basil Petro says:
    November 4, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  47. Molly Duesenberg says:
    November 5, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    I am extremely inspired along with your writing talents and also with the format for your blog. Is that this a paid subject or did you modify it your self? Either way keep up the excellent high quality writing, it is rare to peer a nice weblog like this one nowadays.

  48. dachy says:
    November 5, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    I really enjoy the post.Much thanks again. Great.

  49. Valentina Dulay says:
    November 5, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    Great information. Thanks very much.

  50. Laverne Firman says:
    November 9, 2011 at 4:18 am

    Having been just browsing for useful blog posts intended for the project research when I happened to stumble on yours. Thanks for this useful material!

  51. Charlott Crytzer says:
    November 9, 2011 at 7:25 am

    Great information. Thanks very much.

  52. Hugh Yuasa says:
    November 10, 2011 at 3:21 am

    whoah this weblog is fantastic i really like studying your articles. Stay up the great paintings! You understand, many individuals are searching round for this info, you could aid them greatly.

  53. Sandra says:
    November 10, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    Thanks very much for the offer, Lanelle, but I’m not using any guest posts at this time. I hope you continue to stop by!