Booker T. Washington emerged as a prominent African American leader in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for a conciliatory approach toward the white majority. He prioritized vocational education for the black community over liberal arts and preferred behind-the-scenes influence to public protests against discrimination. While this strategy gained support from white politicians and businessmen, it sparked controversy among black intellectuals who criticized his reluctance to emphasize civil rights, fearing it would perpetuate segregation and second-class status for African Americans.
