ARTICLE
Did you know that Lakeland got a special visit from Booker T. Washington only three years before the public figure passed away? Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856-1915) was a black educator and speaker whose teachings spanned through the late 1800 and early 1900s and focused on economics and business strategy. He believed that “we should not permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities” and as a young man originally born into slavery, he grew up to prove himself right. He became the founder of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in 1881, which provided practical training for African Americans and taught the principles of economic self-reliance while focusing on trades and agricultural skills. He also founded and developed the National Negro Business League in Boston, Massachusetts in 1900, which was meant to enhance economic and commercial prosperity within the African American community. In 1912, Washington visited Lakeland, as part of his Floridian tour, to give a speech meant to solicit funds for his college about race relations and the importance of education for economic advancement to a group of roughly 2,000 local residents. Deemed “The Most Famous Negro in America,” he gave his speech to a mixture of black and white citizens within the business community, charging 50 cents for admission. Washington’s impact continued, addressing the evils of segregation, discrimination in voting, lynching and the exclusion of black citizens from juries. Surrounding the figure’s powerful legacy and heartfelt speeches, several high schools throughout the nation have also been named after Booker T. Washington, dedicated to educating the youth and providing a safe facility for students of all backgrounds. Here in Lakeland, we have also paid homage to the impact Washington had on our community by the introduction of Booker T. Washington Park and Playground featuring a monument in honor of him. The park can be found at 1516 N Hawkins Way, Lakeland, FL 33805. This playground honors the essence of Washington’s famous mantra: “if you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” Plan your visit today to celebrate Black History Month and help lift up the culture of your local community! To learn more about Booker T. Washington’s impact on Lakeland, as well as the rest of the country, visit the following sources: https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2012/08/17/a-day-in-booker-t-washington-park/26506522007/ https://laltoday.6amcity.com/washington-park-community-lakeland https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2003/08/09/lakelands-early-black-schools-started-in-moorehead-community-in-1880s/26068320007/
Did you know that Lakeland got a special visit from Booker T. Washington only three years before the public figure passed away?
Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856-1915) was a black educator and speaker whose teachings spanned through the late 1800 and early 1900s and focused on economics and business strategy. He believed that “we should not permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities” and as a young man originally born into slavery, he grew up to prove himself right. He became the founder of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in 1881, which provided practical training for African Americans and taught the principles of economic self-reliance while focusing on trades and agricultural skills. He also founded and developed the National Negro Business League in Boston, Massachusetts in 1900, which was meant to enhance economic and commercial prosperity within the African American community.
In 1912, Washington visited Lakeland, as part of his Floridian tour, to give a speech meant to solicit funds for his college about race relations and the importance of education for economic advancement to a group of roughly 2,000 local residents. Deemed “The Most Famous Negro in America,” he gave his speech to a mixture of black and white citizens within the business community, charging 50 cents for admission.
Washington’s impact continued, addressing the evils of segregation, discrimination in voting, lynching and the exclusion of black citizens from juries. Surrounding the figure’s powerful legacy and heartfelt speeches, several high schools throughout the nation have also been named after Booker T. Washington, dedicated to educating the youth and providing a safe facility for students of all backgrounds.
Here in Lakeland, we have also paid homage to the impact Washington had on our community by the introduction of Booker T. Washington Park and Playground featuring a monument in honor of him. The park can be found at 1516 N Hawkins Way, Lakeland, FL 33805. This playground honors the essence of Washington’s famous mantra: “if you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
Plan your visit today to celebrate Black History Month and help lift up the culture of your local community! To learn more about Booker T. Washington’s impact on Lakeland, as well as the rest of the country, visit the following sources: https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2012/08/17/a-day-in-booker-t-washington-park/26506522007/ https://laltoday.6amcity.com/washington-park-community-lakeland https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2003/08/09/lakelands-early-black-schools-started-in-moorehead-community-in-1880s/26068320007/