[Surgicalcric]

Originally Posted by Sigaba

Yes it does matter. Washington remains one of the most controversial figures in modern American history. Did his approach to race relations reflect acquiescence to white supremacy or pragmatism in response to it? Was he selflessly devoted to empowering African Americans within certain fields of endeavor or was he selflessly devoted to himself?

Does the study of Booker T. Washington (as well as other leaders in the civil rights movement) allow for a better understanding of race and racism in American history or, as social historians have long argued, are such topics better understood "from the bottom up"?

Again, I must contend that the truth is the truth regardless is the messengers motives.