Adulthood
In 1872, Booker had left home and walked hundreds of miles to reach Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute, where he worked as a janitor to help pay his tuition at the school. Here, Booker met many influential people in his life, and many who helped him get to where he did. One man who took a great interest in him was General Samuel C. Armstrong, Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute's founder and headmaster. After getting to know Booker, he became aware of his drive and passion, and offered him a scholarship. As time went on, their bond strengthened, and Armstrong became a mentor to Booker.
After graduating in 1875, Booker had many opportunities to teach. He was able to teach at his own old grade school in Virginia, and had to great opportunity to speak at Hampton's graduation ceremonies. Later, Armstrong provided Booker with a teaching job at Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute.
In 1881, a new opportunity arose. After rebelliously recommending Booker to run the new colored school, Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (legislature wanted a white man to run the new school), General Armstrong gave the school to Booker. Since the south was still incredibly racist, Booker made sure to assure the citizens that the new program would do nothing to threaten their white supremacy, socially or economically. The school ended up being very successful, with 100+ buildings, nearly 2,000 students, 200+ staff, overly 30 professions available for students, and a $2 million endowment by Booker's death.
After graduating in 1875, Booker had many opportunities to teach. He was able to teach at his own old grade school in Virginia, and had to great opportunity to speak at Hampton's graduation ceremonies. Later, Armstrong provided Booker with a teaching job at Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute.
In 1881, a new opportunity arose. After rebelliously recommending Booker to run the new colored school, Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (legislature wanted a white man to run the new school), General Armstrong gave the school to Booker. Since the south was still incredibly racist, Booker made sure to assure the citizens that the new program would do nothing to threaten their white supremacy, socially or economically. The school ended up being very successful, with 100+ buildings, nearly 2,000 students, 200+ staff, overly 30 professions available for students, and a $2 million endowment by Booker's death.