THE TIGER AND THE TORCH look book

BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN
There are striking similarities between Booker T. Washington and Edgar A. Long
and their wives. The Washingtons and the Longs could be considered African
American power couples of their eras. They worked together in high profile
education positions before, during, and after their relationships ended. Their
commitments to each other and their work ran parallel and extended beyond
their lives together.
Booker T. Washington (Left) from “Booker T. Washington’s Own Story of His
Life & Work” and Edgar Long (Right) from “A Vision of Education”
• Both dedicated their entire lives to educating and uplifting the Black race.
• They shared the belief that faith, family and community were central to life.
• They wrote frequently and candidly about their experiences and some of
their words were controversial yet full of truth.
• They believed that knowledge must be paired with action.
• Both were instrumental in the growth of Christiansburg Industrial Institute.
• Their wives (Margaret Washington 52 and Anna Long, respectively) were
smart and strong Black women with stories of their own accomplishments.
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