Booker T. Washington and his work for civil rights

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…public speaking, and a little bit of politics, Washington made his mark on all races. Though controversial even today, he is generally well-respected and admired by the majority. In his own words, "the whole future of the Negro rests largely upon the question as to whether or not he should make himself, through his skill, intelligence, and character, of such undeniable value to the community in which he lived..." (Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington, 92).