5. In the chapter "Raising Money," what is the outcome of the meeting Booker has with a man he had been told might be interested in donating to his school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Booker demands cleanliness from his students. What one item does he insist everyone have?

2. Describe Booker's disappointment in how the people of Tuskegee regard Christmas and what he decides to do to improve the situation.

3. What important lesson does Booker T. Washington say he learns from General Armstrong?

4. Why does Booker feel it was worth his time to travel two thousand miles just to deliver a five-minute speech?

5. Explain why Washington says he feels responsible for the success of Tuskegee Institute.

6. Why do Booker Washington and General Armstrong travel together to larger Northern cities?

7. Why do Booker and his students launch an effort to make bricks?

8. Give examples of how different people support Tuskegee Institute.

9. How is Booker's speech at the Atlanta Exposition received?

10. When he's not working, what does Booker enjoy doing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Booker lives a remarkable life, going from being a slave to being a successful educator whose school is visited by the President of the United States.

1. Describe what Booker thinks about going from poverty and slavery to reaching such great heights.

2. How does he earn the respect he deserves?

Essay Topic 2

1. What are Booker's thoughts on education as a child? As a teen? As a young man studying to be a teacher? As a young teacher? As the director of a school?

2. How does Booker's philosophy on education evolve over time? In what ways do his ideas remain unchanged?