Reflections on Booker T. Washington and the Passage of Time
Christopher Wolf’s recent essay at Booker T. Washington’s American Mind recalls fond memories of reading and friendship. It’s remarkable how such moments linger in our minds.
Time changes people. It feels like yesterday when the Watts riots shook Los Angeles back in 1965. Now, half a century has passed, and here we are—two old friends reflecting on those days.
Reading “From Slavery” opens a door to American Classics and allows you to appreciate Washington’s legacy among the greatest Americans. The text truly leaves an impact.
Back then, both Kimasi and I were younger scholars, engrossed in Washington’s autobiography. He was born into slavery just before the Civil War and eventually gained his freedom through Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. With unwavering determination, he educated himself and established the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Washington emerged as a dominant figure in Black American history, especially after Frederick Douglass’s passing in 1895. By the 20th century, as John Hope Franklin noted, he was among the most influential men in the nation. “From Slavery,” published in 1901, sold over 100,000 copies before his death in 1915.
It’s recognized as a significant American work, even ranked high by the Modern Library. But Kimasi and I didn’t truly explore its brilliance until we were… well, older.
During his lifetime, as Washington garnered fame and influence, some Black leaders began to critique his approach. Critics like W.E.B. Du Bois, the first Black PhD from Harvard, challenged Washington’s strategies for Black advancement.
This skepticism shaped how we viewed Washington during our educational years. He suffered from mislabeling—”Uncle Tom” became a derogatory term, a far cry from its origins in heroism. Discussions around his work were often tinged with negativity.
Yet, fashion and perceptions fluctuate. History reminds us that great works endure, much like Lincoln’s famed speeches, which were once criticized but are now revered worldwide.
Books like “Huckleberry Finn” faced similar scandals upon release for their portrayals of society. Yet, generations later, Ernest Hemingway pointed out that contemporary American literature has its roots in that very work.
Years later, it seems that fear over content has led some to remove books deemed too controversial for young readers. The reflections of past judgments on literature should guide our understanding of what deserves recognition.
Scholarship in recent years has shed light on Washington’s virtues. It’s precarious to predict if justice will regain favor, as the tides of public opinion seem whimsically changing.
Washington never pursued a political position, yet his life’s work illustrated that one doesn’t need a title to teach. He believed in the potential of all, advocating that liberation from mental shackles is an individual journey.
This essence formed the core of Washington’s mission—freeing ourselves from ignorance, bias, and negativity. Moreover, he maintained that this freedom isn’t handed to us; it’s something we must chase ourselves.
Reading “From Slavery” can unveil Washington’s brilliance. He will forever be remembered among the greats for his intellect and character, alongside the monumental achievements of his life. In our earnest discussions, Kimasi often expressed regret, lamenting that he hadn’t known this man sooner.
