Analysis Of B. T Washington's Up From Slavery

In his autobiography Up from Slavery, B.T. Washington keys in on the idea of black self-determination, the ability to not only survive, but also be a part of civilization and in turn a community, is a concept that emerged in the late 1800s after the abolition of slavery. Washington alludes to the notion with obtaining this, America can overcome racial prejudice. Washington defends his argument throughout this autobiography by illustrating the shift in education and survival from slavery to post slavery, highlighting the already prevalent sense of community between both white and black folks, and alluding to a future of not only true independence, but also the end of racism.
From the beginning of the story until the very end, education and
“By walking, begging rides both in wagons and in the cars…I was completely out of money…my work pleased the captain so well that he told me if I desired I could continue working for a small amount per day” (Washington 48-50). Being unaware to the amount of money necessary to not only reach Hampton but also attend, Washington had put himself in a state of desperation chancing being told no, in order to survive just a little longer and reach his destination. This is not something people do easily; it takes a lot guts and pride to admit defeat and ask for help, which is exactly what Washington did. In doing so, he was able to not only eat but also pay his way from Richmond to Hampton, illustrating the same, if not more, determination a white man has. “I had a feeling that in a large measure my future depended upon the impression I made upon the teacher in the cleaning of that room…the head teacher offered me a job as a janitor. I gladly accepted because it was a place where I could work nearly all the cost of my board” (Washington 52-54). Washington, after struggling to pay his way to even reach Hampton, had to prove that he was good enough to attend the school. Had this been someone white, this would not have been necessary, but because he was not, he was offered a chance to prove that he was something and was excited that he could do something he had trained his entirely to do. Washington, successfully cleaning the room earned the respect of the head teacher and went on to finish school, and help those who were in positions that he once was in. His hard work from the time he was old enough to start working, up to this point and even after, proves that those of color work hard and has was it takes to be a functioning member of society. Washington established a role for himself in society. He constantly