Mr. Roosevelt dines with Mr. Washington. Teddy Roosevelt, Part 3.

Teddy Roosevelt was born in 1858, just before the start of the Civil War. Men the age of his father fought in that War. Teddy's own father paid someone to take his place, a common practice at that time. Although the Civil War put an official end to slavery, it did not end discrimination in America. When Teddy became President at the beginning of the 20th century, the equal rights of black Americans was a very sensitive issue.

TR seemed to be making a bold statement when, only a month into his Presidency, he invited Booker T. Washington to have dinner with him at the White House.


Booker T. Washington was the most famous black man in America at the time. Born a slave, he had spent years involved in education, first his own and then encouraging others. He created the Tuskegee Institute where black Americans could earn a degree in a technical field. His approach was not supported by all members of the black community, but he did have influence with many politicans.

When Mr. Washington dined with President Roosevelt at the White House in October, 1901, he was the first black man to do so.



Immediately there was a strong backlash against the President, especially from Southerners. TR was upset by the response but said he would have dinner with whomever he liked, "just as often as I please."
Despite his strong words, President Roosevelt never did invite Mr. Washington again.