Up from Slavery

"So far as I can now recall, the first knowledge that I got of the fact that we were slaves, and that freedom of the slaves was being discussed, was early one morning before day, when I was awakened by my mother kneeling over her children and fervently praying that Lincoln and his armies might be successful, and that one day she and her children might be free." -- Excerpt Booker T. Washington's autobiography records his journey from slavery to prominent educator and business leader. An advisor to presidents, Washington's influence was felt in both white and African-American communities -- in a time when such influence was virtually unheard of. "Washington's story of himself, as half-seen by himself, is one of America's most revealing books." -- Langston Hughes