Booker T. Washington — [ Poem ] — November 14th, 2020 — Robert Bayer — (3 pages)

Booker T. Washington, Born enslaved, forged in a salt furnace, entombed in a coal mine—childhood occupations!

In Virginia, the capitol state of The Confederacy, there the young Taliaferro diligently studied uncountable oppressions.

There in the darkness of national ignorance — a Prometheus Unchained discovers the

Finally from the hateful plantation, empowered anew, an Atlas Academic arises Tempered by true enlightenment, empowered by a world of books for his mind’s perfection, Thereby dared Booker to rise higher, a superior Black intellect, second to none.

Yes, a Prometheus Unchained, a challenger to KKK-Jim Crow abominations; Determined to lift himself up, by uplifting African tribes unto self-determination.

Yes, also as an Atlas Academic, towering above, seemingly alone holding aloft—That Universal Sun That would dispel racist darkness— that must be— the Dawn of African-American Education.

First from the Tuskegee Institute, then over the generations, fiery resurrections Will free his race from the chains of

understanding, and peaceful progression.

Ever Alive with The Spirit of Inspiration: Booker T. Washington.