
The Future of the American Negro
'The Future of the American Negro ' Summary
In the beginning of the book, the author mentions the term "industrial education". Washington describes this term as meaning, learning the necessities to become a valuable member of society as well and being able to apply this knowledge to industrial business. He believes that even though slavery is illegal, the freed African-Americans are still enslaved to the white people. Those who are freed cannot be members of society because they are not given the same opportunities.
As the book continues, Booker T. Washington writes that in order to understand the stress he applies to industrial education, the reader must "review the condition of affairs at the present time in the Southern States." He provides the information that the North and South are linked even though they were once at war. If the North cannot provide education then the South will not provide it.
Washington also states that the African-Americans are not superior, but that they are definitely not inferior to the white people. Slaves have had a hard time throughout their life in the United States. Their strength, knowledge, and perseverance has been tested by the white people that have run their lives for the longest time. Booker T. Washington asks, why should African-Americans have to prove themselves over and over when they have been proving themselves since they entered the country? The author also reminds them that, "An individual cannot succeed unless that individual has a great amount of faith himself."
African-Americans can have all the faith they want, but Washington argues that knowledge is needed to become useful members of society. Blacks have worked hard but will have to understand what they are working for.
Throughout the book, Washington refers to Tuskegee, a university founded by himself and others. It was a historically black university in Tuskegee, Alabama. In The Future of an American Negro, Booker writes that the university is, "placing men and women of intelligence, religion, modesty, conscience, and skill in every community in the South." Washington believes that Tuskegee University is providing the South with valuable members of society. In "Chapter V", there is a reference to a study showing that some 3,000 graduates or students are doing "commendable" work in the Southern community.
Near the end of the book, Washington describes the difference for freed slaves in the North and South. He reminds the reader that North has fewer employment option for black people which perpetuates the stress on the morals of an African-American. The South, however, having more opportunities for work and less stress on trying to do the right thing. He goes on to end the book with five principles that will aid African-Americans in their fight to have truly equal rights and opportunities. He states that these principle will be essential by saying, "So long as the Negro is permitted to get education, acquire property, and secure employment, and is treated with respect in the business or commercials world, … I shall have the greatest faith in his working out his own destiny in the Southern States."
Book Details
Authors

Booker T. Washington
United States
Booker Taliaferro Washington was an American educator, author, orator, and adviser to several presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was the dominant leader in the African...
Books by Booker T. WashingtonDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Chronicles of Canada Volume 25 - The 'Patriotes' of '37: A Chronicle of the Lower Canada Rebellion by Alfred D. DeCelles
The **Chronicles of Canada, Volume 25**, titled _The 'Patriotes' of '37: A Chronicle of the Lower Canada Rebellion_ by **Alfred D. DeCelles**, provide...

A History of the Comstock Silver Lode and Mines by Dan DeQuille
This is a brief account of the Comstock Lode silver mines, and description of the geographic features of the state of Nevada including the railroads....

The Mormon Battalion, Its History and Achievements by B. H. Roberts
This is a captivating book that delves into the remarkable journey of the Mormon Battalion, a unique military unit composed of Latter-day Saint volun...

Education of Henry Adams by Henry Brooks Adams
The Education of Henry Adams, published posthumously in 1918, is a deeply personal and intellectually stimulating memoir by Henry Adams. It chronicles...

A Prisoner of Morro by Upton Sinclair
Upton Sinclair, born in 1878 was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American author. He wrote over 90 books in many genres. Best known for his muckraking novel,...

Abraham Lincoln: The Practical Mystic by Francis Grierson
This book delves into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, exploring his philosophical and spiritual beliefs, particularly his embrace of mysticism...

They Who Knock at Our Gates by Mary Antin
In "They Who Knock at Our Gates," Mary Antin, a Jewish immigrant who successfully assimilated into American society, tackles the complex issue of immi...

A Key To Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin is a book by American author Harriet Beecher Stowe. It was published to document the veracity of the depiction of slavery i...

The Wrong of Slavery, the Right of Emancipation, and the Future of the African Race in the United States by Robert Dale Owen
"The Wrong of Slavery" is a work written by Robert Dale Owen based largely off of the work of the Freedmen's Inquiry Commission where he served. It tr...

Thirty More Famous Stories Retold by James Baldwin
James Baldwin's "Thirty More Famous Stories Retold" is a collection of thirty stories for intermediate readers and listeners of all ages. These storie...
Reviews for The Future of the American Negro
No reviews posted or approved, yet...