A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History : Booker T. Washington's Autobiography University of Virginia, American Studies Booker T. Washington's autobiography Up From Slavery is available online from the University of Virginia. Washington, later criticized by W.E.B. DuBois for his accomodationist views on race, advocated economic improvement for Southern blacks. Have students list everything they know about Jim Crow then complete a definition as a class. Show a map depicting areas of the country that followed segregation laws. Ask students why Jim Crow was present in the particular areas. Assign one half of the class the essay The Awakening of the Negro and the other half the essay Signs of Progress Among the Negros. After they have read the essays have them pair up with someone who read the opposite essay and discuss what they read. They should also fill out a worksheet with main points gathered from each essay. Assign students various chapters from the biography. As they read have them pick out and record incidents of segregation and racism. How has society changed and how has it remained the same since Washington's time.

Booker T. Washington's Autobiography
University of Virginia: American Studies

Description: Booker T. Washington's autobiography "Up From Slavery" is available online from the University of Virginia. Washington, later criticized by W.E.B. DuBois for his accomodationist views on race, advocated economic improvement for Southern blacks.

Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestions

Have students list everything they know about Jim Crow then complete a definition as a class.
Show a map depicting areas of the country that followed segregation laws. Ask students why Jim Crow was present in the particular areas.

Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson

Assign one half of the class the essay The Awakening of the Negro and the other half the essay Signs of Progress Among the Negros. After they have read the essays have them pair up with someone who read the opposite essay and discuss what they read. They should also fill out a worksheet with main points gathered from each essay.
Assign students various chapters from the biography. As they read have them pick out and record incidents of segregation and racism. How has society changed and how has it remained the same since Washington's time.