Booker T. Washington on the Value of Education

WASHINGTON, Booker T. Autograph Quotation Signed, “Booker T. Washington”, 1p, on Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute stationery, 8” x 5”, Tuskegee, January 16, 1895. Blank lower portion of leaf removed. Remnants of previous mounting, toning, flattened vertical folds, else near fine condition.

Born enslaved in 1856, Booker T. Washington led the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute from 1881 until his death in 1915. There he became one of the nation’s leading spokesmen for black Americans and the foremost advocate for their economic rights in the South. In this quotation, the great educator stresses the importance of using one’s education, “Education is only valuable in proportion as it is used.”

Washington wrote this quotation in 1895, the year of the Atlanta Cotton States and Industrial Exposition speech in which he laid the groundwork for what became known as the “Atlanta Compromise”. There he articulated, to national white acclaim, the idea that blacks should accept segregation and white political rule in exchange for economic opportunity. Through industry, thrift, intelligence and property, they would win the respect of whites and ultimately a measure of social and political equality.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!