Place students into small groups, with 3-4 students per group. Instruct each group to create a timeline of Booker T. Washington’s life and career. The timelines should have at least 6 key events related to Booker T. Washington’s life. For each event, the group should include the following information:

• Date of event
• Description of event
• Explanation as to how that event may have influenced or impacted Washington’s philosophy or approach to race relations

Have students share their timelines with the class, and discuss the following as a full group:

• What events do you think most impacted Washington’s ideas and approach to race relations?
• Why is it important to understand Washington’s personal history and context?