Booker T. Washington’s Speech: An address Delivered at the Opening of the Cotton States Exposition” in Atlanta, Georgia

 Contents

a) Short biography of Booker T. Washington

b) Using specific evidence from the speech, explain the differences between the two ways (first, concerning black people; second, concerning white people) Washington uses his analogy of “Cast down your buckets where you are”

c) Washington states: “it is at the bottom of life we must begin, and not at the top. Nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

d) Why would Washington want to assure the southern and northern industrialist that blacks and whites did not have to socialize together, but that they could work in business?

e) Washington’s critic often accused him of not being an aggressive fighter for the advancement of African Americans. Using specific examples from this speech, illustrate how Washington is working for the advancement of African Americans.

Number of words: 716 (2.4 Pages)