Overcoming Obstacles
4th Grade: Booker T. Washington
Think About It
Preventing people from going to school based on their skin color began to change after the Civil War ended. But it was still a significant challenge for Black individuals to get an education. For Black people during that period, the ability to read symbolized freedom. It meant they could be self-reliant, independent, and have the chance to thrive.
Booker T. Washington's Determination
What does it mean to be self-reliant, independent and to thrive?
Booker T. Washington understood how important education was for the future success of Black Americans after the Civil War. Booker grew up to become an important advocate for Black Americans following the end of the Civil War. An advocate is someone who stands up for someone else. But, Booker was born into slavery. How did he overcome an obstacle like slavery? Let’s find out! Please read the following passage independently.
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite all these challenges, Booker really wanted to learn and go to school. But there was a big problem – it was against the law for enslaved people to read and write. However, when Booker was nine years old, something amazing happened. The Union won the Civil War in 1865, and that meant freedom for all the enslaved people in the South, including Booker and his family. They were no longer slaves, but now they had to figure out where to live, what jobs to do, and how to take care of themselves and each other.
Think About It
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What are some obstacles that Booker T. Washington had to overcome?
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How did life change for enslaved people after the Civil War ended?
