UP FROM SLAVERY

UP FROM SLAVERY by Booker T. Washington

Wow! I feel like I have started this year off with so many TOP PICKS! Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery is a worthy addition to that list. Both moving and motivating I found myself captured in his writings and scribbling lots of discussion notes to be sure and go over with Annie, my current high school student.

Born into slavery in Virginia somewhere between 1858 and 1859, Washington had many adversities to overcome in his unquenchable desire to learn. ( I truly am overwhelmed with writing this post, because there is so much I want to say about this book!) Up From Slavery is a testimony to never giving up, doing your best job every time, the benefits of hard work, and so much more. I could not emphasize enough to my daughter how much Booker desired to learn, and how blessed she is not to have to work 10 hour days and then attend night school.

Tuskegee. It is amazing to read Washington's goals and desires with this school he started in the south. Did you get that? The South- Alabama to be exact. When it was time to buy grounds for the school, an old burned out plantation was purchased. The students, alongside Washington, repaired the kitchen, stable, and chicken house for their school buildings. They cleared about 20 acres for planting crops to begin raising their own food. Washington believed strongly that his students should do manual labor along with their studies.

Attitude. It is amazing to read Booker's words and note his attitude. He didn't complain about things. He approached life as a series of opportunities. He never wasted time on grumbling or defending himself when criticized. He did his best as he thought fit, and moved on.

Focus. Washington had the opportunity on more than one occasion to enter the world of politics and self gain. He denied it every time. He felt called to teach and help his fellow man, and that was where his focus remained.

As I finished reading this book I was heavily convicted. There was so much to take in and challenge myself with. There is no doubt that reading this book will cause growth and change for good within my own life.