Booker Taliaferro Washington was born into slavery on April 5, 1856, in Franklin County, Virginia. He experienced the emancipation of his family during the Civil War and moved to West Virginia with his mother and stepfather after gaining freedom. Despite facing hardships and poverty, Washington was determined to pursue education and taught himself to read. He later attended the Hampton Institute and Wayland Seminary, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for learning.

In 1881, at the age of 25, Washington was appointed as the first leader of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (later Tuskegee University) in Alabama. Under his leadership, Tuskegee grew significantly, with students actively involved in constructing buildings and sustaining the campus through agricultural activities. Washington's emphasis on practical skills alongside academics aimed to produce teachers who could educate rural black communities across the South.

Washington's approach to African American advancement focused on economic empowerment and education rather than direct confrontation with Jim Crow segregation and disenfranchisement. He advocated for gradual progress through industrial education and entrepreneurship, gaining support from influential figures in politics and industry. Despite criticism from some activists, Washington secretly supported legal challenges against segregation and disenfranchisement, demonstrating strategic leadership and political acumen.

Throughout his life, Washington collaborated with notable figures such as George Washington Carver and Timothy Thomas Fortune, contributing to the advancement of African American education and entrepreneurship. He founded the National Negro Business League in 1900 to promote economic advancement within the black community.

Washington continued to lead Tuskegee until his death in 1915, leaving behind a legacy of educational and economic empowerment for African Americans. Despite controversy, his contributions were recognized through various honors and memorials, cementing his place as a prominent figure in African American history.

Reference: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booker_T._Washington