Booker T. Washington has been described as the most famous and influential black man in the United States between 1895 and 1915. Born into slavery, his childhood was marked by poverty and hard labor. This compelling biography traces Washington's life. Readers learn details about his early years, his determined struggle to achieve an education, and his rise as an influential black leader. His sometimes-controversial ideas about how blacks should work to achieve equality in American society are explored. This accessible narrative is complemented by historical photographs, sidebars, and a detailed timeline.