He was a dominant figure throughout his ambitious life;
Wanting his fellow African Americans to thrive
In society, in life.
Leading them through the dark, coarse tunnel
Of ignorance.
Showing them the light, hope, and the vast lands
Of opportunities.
New knowledge and methods for a better life.

Born in an enslaved family,
Where there was no such thing as tranquility.
Booker T. Washington’s life, showing little promise,
But to him, something seemed quite amiss.
He saw children in a building,
Reading, writing, learning.
He wanted to be like them.
But it was illegal for slaves back then.
Working through harsh labor,
With so little in his favor,
In his teens, Booker left home.

He worked hard, got high marks.
Eventually started teaching on his own.
Then one man, Samuel C. Armstrong,
Adding fuel to his fiery ambition,
Igniting sparks,
Gave Booker a school he can call his very own.

The school thrived, under his leadership, naturally,
Becoming on of the top schools in the country.
Then he voiced his philosophy;
African Americans should coexist in society.
Coexist with the whites economically.
Although a firestorm did rise,
For he did not demand for full equality.
The speech was known as the “Atlanta Compromise.”

The work and effort of Booker T. Washington;
Remarkable compared to some.
Helping his fellow African Americans
Giving them an opportunity
To learn,
To earn,
And no longer, did they yearn
Because his legacy, still alight,
Allowed diversity to be alright.
Now with our futures appearing bright,
We know
What he fought for was right.