# Last Words explained — Up from Slavery

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

## What happens

In this concluding chapter, Booker T. Washington reflects on the remarkable growth of Tuskegee Institute from humble beginnings to a nationally recognized institution. He recounts the historic visit of President William McKinley and his cabinet to Tuskegee, the honorary degree he received from Harvard University, and the widespread support from both white and black communities. The chapter underscores the themes of perseverance, education, and racial uplift through industrial training.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Self-Improvement

Washington emphasizes the transformative power of education, as demonstrated by Tuskegee's growth and the students' industrial training.

### Racial Uplift Through Industrial Education

The chapter highlights how industrial education at Tuskegee elevates the African American community and gains national respect.

### Dignity of Labor

The exhibition of students working in their industrial vocations during the President's visit underscores the value of manual labor.

## Character check-ins

### Booker T. Washington

Reflects on the growth of Tuskegee and receives honorary degree from Harvard.

### President William McKinley

Visits Tuskegee Institute and delivers a speech praising Washington's work.

### Dr. J. L. M. Curry

Supports the President's visit to Tuskegee.

### John Hatcher

Mentioned in the context of the Harvard honorary degree.

### General Samuel C. Armstrong

Referenced as the founder of Hampton Institute, which inspired Tuskegee.

## Key lines

> To speak of Tuskegee without paying special tribute to Booker T. Washington’s genius and perseverance would be impossible.

It is impossible to discuss Tuskegee without acknowledging Washington's brilliance and determination.

_President McKinley's speech praising Washington's role in the institution's success._

> The problem, I say, has been solved. A picture has been presented today which should be put upon canvas with the pictures of Washington and Lincoln...

The racial problem has been resolved, as shown by the image of the President, the Governor, and a former slave standing together.

_Secretary of the Navy John D. Long's remarks on the significance of the President's visit._

> Twenty years have now passed since I made the first humble effort at Tuskegee, in a broken-down shanty and an old henhouse...

Two decades ago, I started Tuskegee in a dilapidated shack and a chicken coop with almost nothing.

_Washington reflects on the humble beginnings and remarkable growth of the institute._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se/chapters/xvii-last-words
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/up_from_slavery_se/chapters