Booker T. Washington

　　Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856-1915) was the dominant leader in the African American community between 1890-1915. He was an orator, activist, educator and author who had a profound impact creating educational and training opportunities for African Americans during Reconstruction. He featured an essay by the poet and short story author, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington's collection of writings by influential African American authors, titled The Negro Problem, published in 1903.

　　Visit American History and the African American Library for other important historical documents and figures who helped shape America.