, 1951-04-04
Booker 7. Washington Day
(From Kansas City Call)

CFrom Kansas City CaID
The 95th anniversary of the birth of Booker 7.
Washington will be observed on April 5. The birthday
of this famous American is not widely celebrated and in
many communities goes unnoticed. Yet most persons in
country are familiar with the name Booker T. Washing
ton although they might not know much about him ex-
cept that he founded Tuskegee institute and was the
father of industrial education in this country.
Booker I. Washington is considered by some es-
pecially white persons, as the most outstanding Negro
who ever lived. We would not like to get into a debate
over who is the greatest Negro, living or dead, but every
one will admit that Booker Washingtons stature and e-
TEEN grow as time goes on. His place in history is firmly
established.
Booker Washington had a philosophy which is as
good today as it was when he walked the earth. The ad-
vice that he gave Negroes at the turn of the century is
as sound now as then.
Here are a few of the gems of wisdom which pour
ed from the lips of the man who was an adviser to Presi-
dents in the early days:
"We should not permit u grievances to over.hadow our
opportunities"
injuring the oppressor."
"There is IS much dignity N tling a field a in writing /.
Ignorance is more costly to any state than education"
at is important and right that all privileges of law be ours,
but it is vastly or important that W e be prepared for the exercise
of these privileges"
These words were said more than so years ago,
yet they are just as true today.
Rejecting on the life and times of Booker T. Wash
ington brings to mind how long the Negro has been fight
ing for his right in this country. It also emphasizes what
a long, long way we have come since Booker Washington'S
day. In Washington's day, it was sensational news" when
a Negro and a white man broke bread at the same table.
Although the sage of Tuskegee is now regarded as
a man of wisdom, Booker Washington was a controversial
figure among his contemporaries. He was accused of
beinig a traitor to his people because he advocated that
they be trained to use their hands. He was accused of
surrendering his people into the hands of those who would
reduce the whole race to mental labor. 1t was only in later
years that Booker Washington's philosophy of education
was fully appreciated. He was not a foe of higher educa-
ton for Negroes, but he believed that Negroes should be
trained skillfully "in those arts and crafts in which they
are now employed and in which they must exhibit great
er efficiency if they are to compete with white men, to
quote tie great educators own p hraseology.
How right Booker Washington was was not proven
until generations late. Even in the World War II era,
Negroes found themselves woefully handicapped by their
lack of training in trades and crafts. The great indus.
trial education system which has been developed in this
country for youth of all races can be traced directly to the
teachings of Booker T. Washington.
Booker Washington was considered by many as a
COMPROMISED. But we must remember gains are made
through compromise, a little at a time.
The memory of Booker T. Washington and the
fight that he made for justice and opportunity for his
peple sould inspire the young Negro Of today to continue
the struggle for equality and full opportunity for all cti
zens. 1t would be fitting next week for every school chile