Booker T Washington Chapter Summary

Chapter One Although not officially recorded, Booker T Washington was born in Franklin County, Virginia either in 1858 or 1859. He is unsure of the exact date, but does know that he was born near a crossroads post-office called Hale’s Ford. Born a slave, Booker describes his surroundings as miserable, desolate and discouraging, even though his owner was not too cruel. He had no record of his ancestry or name because he did not know his father. His mother worked as the plantation cook and he helped. He was in charge of the sweet potatoes; he often stole a few when he could. He had no schooling or education. The information the slaves received usually came from the slave that went to the post office to retrieve the mail. The slave would linger around as long as he could, listening to people’s conversations. The biggest news he got was from listening to his mother pray that Lincoln and
his army would be successful and the slaves would be free. The slaves spent their lives deprived while white people took for granted the things the slaves lacked like coffee, tea, sugar, and other articles the slaves weren’t accustomed to. Booker’s first pair of shoes was uncomfortable and loud because the bottom was made from wood. Unlike most salves, the slaves on Booker’s plantation did not completely hate their masters. After they were freed they still cared for their masters and provided them with gifts and money.

Chapter Two Once most slaves became free they knew only two things; they needed to change their names and they needed to leave the plantation for at least two days to try out their freedom.
Booker and his family went to West Virginia where his step father had already gotten them jobs and a place to live. After begging, his mother finally bought him a book. It was a spelling book that would help him to read and write. Later on a young colored boy came to town who knew how to read and write. The young boy offered to teach a class. Unfortunately, Booker’s work schedule would interfere with the time the class would be taught. His work end and school started at the same time, making Booker often late for school. Eventually Booker would speed the hands on the clock causing him to get off work early. Before long, Booker’s boss locked the face of the clock. Whenever Booker would run into a problem his mother would find a way to save the day. Booker received special attention. Booker imagined the feelings of a white boy who had no limits; he was envious because he had to struggle to get an
education.

Chapter Three One day while working Booker overheard two men talking about a school that was open to colored people in Virginia. The school provided opportunities to work while learning to do a trade. To continue to earn money Booker got a job in the home of General Lewis Ruffner, the owner of the mines. Working for his wife, Booker began to build his own library; often he was rewared for his ambitions. After a long time of saving Booker decided that he would leave to be on his own. With his mother being in poor heath he said goodbye, knowing he may not ever see her again. He set off realizing that about half way through he probably wouldn’t have enough money to finish the trip. Being turned away from places of shelter because of the color of his skin, he was forced to sleep under the side walk. After going a while without food he went to ask for a job at a ship, unloading cargo. After saving enough money Booker finished his trip to Hampton. He tried to enroll but a rejected because of the dirt on his clothes. Given a chance to redeem himself he was told to go and clean the adjacent room. Realizing his hard work, the teacher allowed Booker to enroll in the school.