# Helping Others explained — Up from Slavery

> Chapter companion for Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington.

## What happens

Booker T. Washington reflects on his second year at Hampton Institute, emphasizing the unselfishness of teachers and the lesson that happiness comes from serving others. He describes his mother's death, his struggle to return to Hampton, and his subsequent work as a teacher in Malden, West Virginia, where he established day and night schools, a reading room, and a debating society. He also recounts helping his brother John and adopted brother James gain an education, and notes the violent activities of the Ku Klux Klan during this period.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Self-Improvement

Washington's dedication to learning at Hampton and his efforts to educate others in Malden through day and night schools.

### Overcoming Adversity and Poverty

Washington's struggle to return to Hampton after his mother's death and his work in coal mines to earn money.

### Self-Reliance and Character Building

Washington's emphasis on personal cleanliness, the toothbrush, and the value of hard work and service to others.

## Character check-ins

### Booker T. Washington

Reflects on his second year at Hampton, his mother's death, and his teaching work in Malden.

### General J. F. B. Marshall

As treasurer of Hampton Institute, he allowed Washington to reenter and trust him to pay his debt.

### Miss Nathalie Lord

Teacher from Portland, Maine, who taught Washington to love the Bible and gave him private lessons in public speaking.

### Mrs. Viola Ruffner

Provided work and assistance to Washington during the difficult period after his mother's death.

### Miss Mary F. Mackie

Lady principal at Hampton who invited Washington to return early to work as a janitor.

### John Hatcher

Washington's older brother who worked in coal mines to support the family and later became Superintendent of Industries at Tuskegee.

## Key lines

> Before the end of the year, I think I began learning that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.

By the end of the year, Washington realized that true happiness comes from serving others.

_A key lesson from his second year at Hampton._

> I have had a desire to do something to make the world better, and then to be able to speak to the world about that thing.

Washington's ambition was to improve the world and then speak about his efforts.

_Reflects his motivation for public speaking._

> I was supremely happy in the opportunity of being able to assist somebody else.

Washington found great joy in helping others.

_Describes his fulfillment as a teacher in Malden._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se/chapters/iv-helping-others
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se/chapters