Washington (Booker T)

Washington is answering the question of whether African-Americans should flee north or stay in the south with the same answer, but for a different reason. He, like Fredrick Douglass, believes that the place of freed slaves did not remain universally in the previously free states of the north, but in the homes, communities, and states to which they had become accustomed, regardless of previous condition of servitude. Washington believes that the only way for blacks to receive their free rights is through a steady build-up of influence and respect. They need not chase their political goals directly, because, as he points out, southern white leaders will only meet these demands with reticence and backtracking, accomplishing the opposite of what is desired. Instead of starting from the top, of judicial and political agitation, Washington states that African-Americans should start from the bottom, tilling fields and working in factory jobs, proving that they are able and willing to help the South grow and prosper. As soon as Southern white leaders see the ability, loyalty, and pride of freed blacks, they will naturally reward this effort and ability with the political rights he has denied agitating and “ungrateful” blacks. Through this slow, but steadier and more sure means of achieving civil and political rights, African-Americans in the south will be able to prosper, becoming much more than they were previously allowed to be. If they flee to the North, none of these opportunities are available, and they will be like the passengers on the raft, failing to find their goals because they are not willing to look for them where they are.