Up From Slavery is the autobiography of Booker T. Washington detailing his slow and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the difficulties and obstacles he overcame to get an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools-most notably the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama-to help black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up by the bootstraps. An excellent book with a timeless message of how effort can overcome tremendous obstacles. A fitting tribute to President Barack Obama’s historic election victory.

5 Responses to “Up From Slavery : An Autobiography : President Barack Obama Commemorative Collector’s Edition”

1. Liane M. Clark says:

   March 15, 2010 at 12:00 am

   I read this book with my 12 year old as part of a book club.I didn’t know much about Booker T. Washington,and this book was very interesting.He was truly a remarkable man living in a time of extreme change for our country.I feel I now have a broader view of the post slavery South then I had,even growing up there.

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2. Big D says:

   February 13, 2010 at 12:00 am

   A fascinating read about the life and times of Booker T. Washington and his march from slavery to one of the foremost men of his time.

   His views may seem quite antiquated in today’s world, given what has happened and not happened in the last 100 years in race relations and it is easy to see how Black leaders of today might be critical of Washington’s views and perspectives.

   But to do so would be to make the all too common mistake of imprinting and transferring today’s value system and experiences on a culture and time of long ago. Anyone can look back with 20-20 hindsight and criticize. What matters most is having a plan to move forward from where you are, and Booker T. Washington certainly had that. His is a remarkable story of courage, grace, and iron-willed determination, for himself and for his race.

   While today’s leaders and purists might criticize Washington, it should never be forgotten that he took the first steps and led his race and the entire South in the first steps, no matter how imperfect they may be in hindsight, up and away from slavery.

   There had to be a Booker T. Washington to bridge the gap between what was and what was to be. He knew his role and peformed it well.

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3. Carol A. Cook says:

   May 5, 2009 at 12:00 am

   Up From Slavery Booker T. Washington has been one of my all-time favorite American heroes — ever since I first read about him in 4th grade. Washington had a gift for writing, and his autobiography, as well as his essays, are very easy to read, understand, and enjoy. The more I study and learn about him, the more impressed I am with his vision, his integrity, and his drive to improve his people and their lot in life.

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4. Morris J. Jones says:

   April 2, 2009 at 12:00 am

   a good read with much information from the early america era. Booker T. Washington use the brain over violence and suceeded where others failed. excellent read.!!!!

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5. W. cooper says:

   March 20, 2009 at 12:00 am

   What an outstanding autobiography regarding a true American heroe! This book details the triumphant acts of Booker T. Washington’s efforts to not only develop the famous Tuskegee Institute, but to positively build bridges with America. A former slave who became a self taught, political mastermind came from the worst of what humanity had to offer to meeting and influencing American Presidents. What an honor it would have been to meet a man who provided so much to the African American man and woman. He was also willing and often did help southern whites in his community. It’s ashame that in America, where education is offered legally, there is a 50% dropout rate among African American high school students. This man and his “cadres” fought for and provided educational opportunities in a country that treated them worst than second class citizens. This book should be a required reading in ALL schools, especially those predominantly filled with African Americans!

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