Bill introduced to erect Booker T. Washington statue at State Capitol
RICHMOND, Va. โ A state senator from Roanoke County hopes to immortalize famed author and orator Booker T. Washington with a permanent place at the State Capitol. Sen. David Suetterlein introduced Senate Resolution 95, which would start the process of planning a statue for Washington on Capitol Square. Washington was born a slave in Franklin County before becoming a leader in civil rights and founding the Tuskegee Institute. โI really believe that Booker T. Washington needs to be honored in Capitol Square,โ Suetterlein told his fellow senators. โHeโs a great American and a great Virginian, but Virginia doesnโt get enough credit as we should for this great Virginian that did so much for the country.โAdSuetterlein also sponsored a similar bill during last yearโs legislative session, but it did not gain any traction in the General Assembly.
โUp From Slaveryโ: Preserving Booker T. Washingtonโs Franklin County roots
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. โ One of the most powerful and inspirational voices for civil rights has his roots in Southwest Virginia. Author and educator Booker T. Washington was born a slave in Franklin County near Rocky Mount. Washington himself told the world of his upbringing in his autobiography โUp From Slavery,โ and his Virginia legacy has been preserved long after his death. Under her guidance, the University Press recently acquired 14 volumes of Washingtonโs writings and documents, which stretch back to his time as a slave in Franklin County. โI donโt know that Iโve had many things that Iโm more proud of than our ability to get his words out into the larger world,โ Moomaw said.