National African American Education
The foundations of African American education were built on individuals’ desires to learn as a means of improving their own circumstances. They laid their own groundwork and took the initiative into their hands because it was clear no one was going to do it for them. Nothing was going to stop African Americans from improving their lives after they gained their freedom.
The Roanoke Daily Times published an issue on May 19, 1896 (a day after the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling) stating “Important Decision by the Supreme Court...Washington, May 18--the supreme court of the United States decided today in the case of Plessy vs. Ferguson that the statute of the State of Louisiana requiring railroad companies to supply separate coaches for white and colored persons constitutional.”
Three figures that shaped African American education and promoted the public recognition of the importance of educating African Americans through actions, speeches, and writings are:
Booker T. Washington
1856-1915: Washington promoted the idea of self-improvement through the education of African Americans through specialized skills.
W.E.B.
Du Bois
1868-1963: Through his focus on “The Talented Tenth” Du Bois believed in the higher education of African Americans in order to elevate their voice and statue amongst the dominant white population.
Carter G. Woodson
1875-1950: Woodson advocated understanding where African Americans came from and who they are through the education of African American history and culture.
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