| Booker T Washington | Booker T Washington (April 5, 1856 – November 14, 1915) 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-American community. After attending the Hampton Institute in VA, he joined the staff. At the age of 25 he was tasked to start and head the Tuskeegee Institute in Alabama. His controversial way of thinking about equality was his acceptance of segregation. He also suggested that African Americans should focus on vocational training rather than formal education. His famous speech titled ‘Atlanta Compromise’ was given in Atlanta in 1895. While initially accepted, was opposed by many other leaders including W E B Du Bois. In addition to Tuskeegee Institute, he partnered with philanthropist Julian Rosenwald to open thousands of Rosenwald Schools in 15 states (John Lewis went to one of them).
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