Booker T. Washington

Who He Is: 

Booker T. Washington was a teacher and leader who founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in the late 1800s. Born into slavery, he worked tirelessly to create opportunities for African American students through education, focusing on practical skills as well as academics.

 

Why He Matters: 

Washington showed that education can be a pathway to freedom and progress. He believed that every student could achieve more with discipline, knowledge, and determination. His story demonstrates the power of teachers to change not just individual lives, but entire communities.