The Story of The Negro-Booker T Washington

The Story of the Negro is a history of Americans of African descent before and after slavery. The Story of the Negro is full of significant information taken from hundreds of obscure sources that would be nearly impossible to assemble today: the rise of African American comedy with names, places, and dates; the growth and spread of African American home ownership and independent businesses in the United States; discussion of slavery. Washington wanted African Americans to understand and embrace their heritage, not be ashamed of it. He explains, as an example, the role of music in the lives of the slaves and then notes how, nearly a generation later, many African Americans were embarrassed by this music and did not want to learn traditional songs. Founder of the first business association (the National Negro Business League), leader of the Tuskegee Institute and supporter of numerous social programs designed to improve the welfare of African Americans, Washington was considered during his lifetime the spokesperson for African Americans by white society, particularly those in positions of power. This led to criticism from within the African American community, most notably from W. E. B. Du Bois, who considered Washington too accommodating of the white majority.

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