“Booker T. Washington is Dead,” The Guardian , November 20, 1915
Trotter, editor of Boston’s The Guardian vigorously opposed Booker T. Washington’s approach. (For more information about Trotter, see Documents 5.4.1 and 5.4.2) In the obituary, however, he wrote graciously.
Booker T. Washington is Dead.
Booker T. Washington is dead. He had a long and eventful career. His energy, persistence and resourcefulness were remarkable. He built up an immense industrial school. He won great recognition from the dominating elements in this Republic. He had unusual ability as an organizer. He attained great distinction and was the most conspicuous Colored man of his day. At one time he wielded a tremendous power over the industrial and political opportunities of Colored people. By the Colored race he was both ardently supported and strenuously opposed with regard to his industrial and political propaganda. A deep cleavage was made in the Colored American group by his doctrine. This is as much a part of his career as is his international reputation and it is a part of the history of the Colored race.
The leading part which the Guardian and its editor took for years in opposition to Dr. Washington’s activities outside of his school work, are too well known to be repeated now that he is dead. Nor is the hour of grief for his family and admirers appropriate time for adverse criticism. The controversy may well subside on both sides. This is the time for the race to unite in defense of its rights and liberties. “De Mortuis nil nisi Bonum”
[The Guardian went on to quote from the Atlanta Constitution.]
Atlanta Constitution Comment
Leading Democratic Newspaper of Bourbon South Sets Booker Washington Up as a Model Colored Leader (Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga, Nov. 16, 1915).
One of the most striking and significant facts in connection with the death of Booker T. Washington, famous Negro educator and a long-time leader of his race, was the carrying out even in the face of death or his often expressed determination to “come home to die.”
Born in the south and spending his life here for the benefit and uplift of the members of his race he preferred above all things to die at home at the scene of his labors of a third of a century where he built the Tuskegee Institute and started it upon the great work it has done for his race.
There could be no more striking illustration of how the Negro feels about the south. In this final act of his life Washington told the story of what The Constitution has so often sought to impress and of what he himself has declared upon every available ocassions, that the south and its people are the best friends the Negro has.
Booker Said “White of South Best Friends of Colored Race.”
Booker Washington’s expressed feeling that the white people of the south were the best friends of the Negro and his application of that thought and principle to his effort for the betterment of his race, were perhaps more responsible than any other factor for his attainment of the remarkable success of his career. Conservative in thought and word, but vigorous and enthusiastic in constructive effort and action, he made for himself a wonderful record in the betterment of his race along these particular lines of industry and usefulness which will best serve them in the lives they have to live.
Washington gained and held the confidence of men of strength and prominence in every walk of life, both in the north and south and in that way he accomplished for Tuskegee Institute what others who have sought to build upon sectional feeling and prejudice have failed and will always fail to do
Both Tuskegee institute and his race will experience a serious loss in Washington’s death. It will be well for the race and its future development if there shall come others like him and take up the work he has laid down.
(Document 5.2.7)