I Am... Booker T. Washington, who was an African-American educator, orator, and advisor to presidents of the United States. In 1856, I was born a slave in Virginia to a woman named Jane. I worked my way through Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) and attended college at Wayland Seminary (now Virginia Union University).

In 1881, I was named the first leader of the new Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. In addition to my contributions in eduction, I wrote 14 books including my autobiography, 'Up From Slavery', which was first published in 1901. I remained as principal of Tuskegee until my death in 1915, I was 59.  I was buried on the campus of Tuskegee University near the university chapel. I am recognize with an monument in the center of Tuskegee University's campus.

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