Booker T. Washington letter

Collection

Identifier: W-0136

Scope and Contents

This typescript letter from Booker T. Washington to Robert E. Ely is dated November 12, 1915, two days before Washington's death. In the letter, Washington urges Ely to support the Tuskegee Institute's scholarship fund. The typed letter includes Washington's signature.

Dates

1915-11-01

Creator

Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

None

Biographical / Historical

Booker T. Washington was born a slave on April 5, 1856, in Hale's Ford, Virginia. After emancipation, his family resettled in West Virginia. He worked his way through Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) and attended college at Wayland Seminary (now Virginia Union University). In 1881 he was named as the first leader of the new Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

In addition to his contributions in education, Washington wrote fourteen books; his autobiography, Up From Slavery, first published in 1901, is still widely read today. During a difficult period of transition, he did much to improve the working relationship between the races. His work greatly helped blacks to achieve higher education, financial power, and understanding of the U.S. legal system.

Extent

0.05 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Letter from Booker T. Washington asking for financial support for the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. The letter is dated November 12, 1915, two days before Washington's death.