Booker T. Washington

General Samuel C. Armstrong

Booker T. Washington was a protégé of General Armstrong, who mentored him and later recommended him to lead Tuskegee Institute.

George Washington

George Washington was a teacher at Tuskegee Institute under Booker T. Washington's leadership.

Portia M. Washington

Portia M. Washington was Booker T. Washington's daughter, and he had a close, affectionate relationship with her.

Papa

Papa is Booker T. Washington's father figure (likely his stepfather or a close elder), with a respectful and affectionate bond.

Miss Olivia A. Davidson

Olivia Davidson was Booker T. Washington's first wife, and they shared a loving partnership in building Tuskegee.

George Washington

George Washington was a teacher at Tuskegee Institute under Booker T. Washington's leadership.

Up from Slavery

The author and narrator, reflecting on his life from slavery to founding Tuskegee.

A Slave Among Slaves

The author and narrator, reflecting on his childhood as a slave and his early experiences.

II: Boyhood Days

Narrates his boyhood experiences, including his longing for education and work in the salt-furnace.

The Struggle for an Education

Overhears about Hampton Institute, works for Mrs. Ruffner, travels to Hampton, cleans a room to gain admission, and works as a janitor.

Helping Others

Reflects on his second year at Hampton, his mother's death, and his teaching work in Malden.

V: The Reconstruction Period

Narrator reflecting on his experiences during Reconstruction, his time at Hampton, teaching in West Virginia, and studying in Washington, D.C.

VI: Black Race and Red Race

Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his work with Indian students, his political canvassing, and his return to Hampton.

VII: Early Days at Tuskegee

Narrator and protagonist; arrives in Tuskegee to start the normal school.

VIII: Teaching School in a Stable and a Henhouse

Founder and sole teacher at the opening of Tuskegee, he secures a loan from General Marshall to buy the plantation and oversees the conversion of a stable and henhouse into schoolrooms.

Anxious Days and Sleepless Nights

Narrates the financial anxieties and determination to keep the school's credit high, borrowing from local white men and receiving help from General Armstrong.

X: A Harder Task Than Making Bricks Without Straw

Narrates the chapter, detailing his determination to have students build their own buildings and learn industrial skills despite opposition.

Making Their Beds Before They Could Lie on Them

Narrates the chapter, describing his efforts to provide for students and his philosophy of trust and responsibility.

Raising Money

Reflects on his fundraising experiences and principles, including his avoidance of 'begging' and his emphasis on presenting facts.

Two Thousand Miles for a Five-Minute Speech

The narrator and protagonist, who prepares for and delivers the Atlanta Compromise speech, reflecting on his anxieties and motivations.

XIV: The Atlanta Exposition Address

Delivers the Atlanta Exposition address, emphasizing racial cooperation and industrial progress.

XV: The Secret of Success in Public Speaking

Describes his management philosophy and the organization of Tuskegee; recounts his Atlanta speech and its reception; shares personal habits for rest and recreation.

Europe

Reflects on his family, his work at Tuskegee, and his surprise at being given a European vacation.

Last Words

Reflects on the growth of Tuskegee and receives honorary degree from Harvard.