Booker T. Washington dinner at the White House facts for kids
On October 16, 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt invited his advisor, Booker T. Washington, to have dinner with him and his family at the White House. Booker T. Washington was a very important African American leader and speaker. This dinner caused a lot of anger and criticism from white politicians and newspapers in the American South. Because of this strong reaction, no other African American was invited to dinner at the White House for almost 30 years.
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Why the Dinner Was Important
This dinner was a big deal because of the unfair rules and ideas about race at that time. Many white people in the South believed that Black and white people should be kept separate. They thought it was wrong for a Black person to eat dinner with the President.
Who Were They?
Theodore Roosevelt had just become president. He was known for being a strong leader. Booker T. Washington was a former slave who became a famous educator and leader. He worked hard to help African Americans gain skills and improve their lives. President Roosevelt often asked him for advice.
Before the Dinner
Even though the dinner caused a stir, it wasn't the first time Black people had visited the White House.
Earlier White House Guests
- In 1798, President John Adams had dinner with a white representative from Haiti and his Black wife. This happened in Philadelphia, which was the capital at the time.
- Many presidents after that also welcomed Black visitors.
- Presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Grover Cleveland had met with important Black leaders. These leaders included Frederick Douglass, who fought for freedom, and Sojourner Truth, who spoke out for both Black people and women.
- In 1881, Marie Selika Williams became the first African American professional singer to perform at the White House. She was invited by First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes.
Roosevelt's Own History
Before he became president, when Theodore Roosevelt was the Governor of New York, he often invited Black guests to dinner. Sometimes, he even invited them to stay overnight. So, inviting Booker T. Washington to dinner was not new for him personally. However, doing so as President of the United States was seen differently by many people, especially in the South.
