Booker T. Washington's Life

What was the name of the school Booker T. Washington created to train teachers?

• Tuskegee University

• The Tuskegee Normal School

• Hampton University

• Booker T. Washington School

Answer explanation

At the time, 'normal' meant a school for training teachers.

What object did Booker T. Washington sell to pay for a kiln to make bricks for the school?

• An antique ring

• A waterproof wristwatch

• His gold pocket watch

• None of the above

Answer explanation

His first few kilns blew up and ruined the bricks he tried to make, but the last worked perfectly!

What was the next building added to the Tuskegee Normal School after the main schoolhouse?

• A dining hall

• A chapel

• A dormitory

• All of the above

Answer explanation

A dining hall for food, a chapel for worship, and a dormitory for sleeping!

Where was Booker T. Washington born?

• West Virginia

• Virginia

• Texas

• Maryland

Answer explanation

Don't be fooled by the West Virginia option!

Who was Booker T. Washington's mentor, friend, and supporter?

• W.E.B. DuBois

• Langston Hughes

• General Armstrong

• President Roosevelt

Answer explanation

Booker T. Washington did know President Roosevelt, but they weren't exactly friends. DuBois and Hughes were very critical of Washington's work.

How old was Booker T. Washington when he and his family were freed from slavery?

• 18

• 9

• 3

• 14

Answer explanation

Good for him! Lots of Black Americans lived their whole lives as slaves.

On what did Booker T. Washington sleep when he was growing up?

• A feather bed

• A cotton mattress

• A pile of rags

• A mattress stuffed with hay

Answer explanation

Doesn't exactly sound comfortable...

What kind of formal education did Booker T. Washington have?

• High school

• College graduate

• Elementary school

• No formal education

Answer explanation

Tricky!

How many times was Booker T. Washington married?

• Once

• Twice

• Three times

• He never married

Answer explanation

Unlucky guy. Both of his first wives died, and his third wife wasn't exactly his true love.

How long did Booker T. Washington live?

• 59 years

• 82 years

• 45 years

• None of the above

Answer explanation

It's a fairly short lifespan in this day and age, but back then it was pretty commonplace.