Booker T. Washington, Builder o - African American History

Booker T. Washington, Builder of a Civilization. 153
24.03.2006
recognition by having brains, money, and ability, there was nothing the matter
with me and my poor little wife to prevent us from getting up, too; so I went to
work and determined to work day and night, if need be, to get some money, and
other things necessary to succeed in life. I wanted money because I had seen
and suffered so many humiliations put on the man who does not have money.
(Applause.)
"The first time I saw this distinguished gentleman (pointing to Dr. Booker T.
Washington) I was laying brick in Jacksonville, Fla., at $1.25 a day, and he
drove by in company with Mr. James W. Johnson, Mr. J. Rosamond Johnson,
and another gentleman. I had always loved the big men of my race; even as a
little boy I delighted to hear of what they had achieved, and when I
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heard that the great Booker T. Washington was in town, I quit my job for that
day, went to the place where he spoke, walked up close, and was hoping
somebody would do me the honor of introducing me. But I found the gentlemen
who had him in charge were introducing him to nobody but the big Negroes,
and the big Negroes were shaking hands with him and completely monopolizing
Booker T. Washington. (Prolonged laughter.) I did not like to be rude and
therefore did not push through the crowd and shake hands with him anyway, as
I felt like doing. I was nothing but a poor brick-layer, nobody would introduce
me, but I heard his grand speech, was richly benefited and inspired by all he
said, and when I went away I made a solemn vow to myself. I said: 'If God be
with me, I mean to so work and conduct myself so that some day I shall deserve
to shake hands with Booker T. Washington.' (Hearty applause.) Now let me tell
you the sequel of the story. Away down in Florida, in my humble home in
Jacksonville, there is a room named 'Booker T. Washington.' (Applause.) I have
set apart and dedicated a portion of my home in honor of this distinguished
gentleman and leader of our race. (Applause.) He is the first human being on
earth I have ever permitted to sleep in it, and his good wife is the first woman
and second person I have ever permitted to sleep in that room. (Prolonged
laughter and applause.) We love him in the South, both Negro and white man!
(Hearty applause.) Booker T. Washington's name is a monument of strength
because he is teaching the Negro
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to use his hands and head in order to be useful in the community and to achieve