Lewis Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis Adams
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| Born | 27 October 1842 |
| Died | 30 April 1905 (aged 62) Tuskegee, Alabama, United States
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| Occupation | Activist |
Lewis Adams (October 27, 1842 – April 30, 1905) was an African-American leader. He was born into slavery in Macon County, Alabama. Adams is best remembered for helping to create a school in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1881. This school grew into the famous Tuskegee University.
Contents
Lewis Adams: Early Life and Skills
Not much is known about Lewis Adams' early years. Even though he had no formal schooling, Adams was very smart. He could read, write, and speak several languages.
Adams' Practical Talents
He was skilled in many trades. Adams worked as a tinsmith, a harness-maker, and a shoemaker. He was married to Sallie (Sarah Adams) and they had sixteen children together. He was seen as an important leader in the African-American community in his county.
A Vision for Education
Adams was very worried about the future of recently freed former slaves. He knew that without education, they would struggle to support themselves. There were no schools at that time to teach them important job skills.
Starting a School
In 1874, Adams worked with a white former slave owner to start a school. This showed his strong belief in the power of learning.
Founding Tuskegee Institute
In 1880, two white politicians wanted to be elected to the Alabama Senate. They asked Adams what it would take to get the votes of the black community. Instead of asking for gifts for himself, Adams made a deal.
A Deal for Education
He promised to get the African-American votes for the Democratic Party in Montgomery. In return, he asked for money to start a "Normal school" for African Americans in Tuskegee. A Normal school teaches people how to become teachers.
Securing Funding
Adams and a banker named George W. Campbell (who was also a former slave owner) worked together. They convinced the Alabama Legislature to provide US$2,000 each year. This funding was for the "Negro Normal School in Tuskegee," starting in 1881.
Partnering with Booker T. Washington
After securing the funding, Lewis Adams found the perfect person to lead the new school. He recruited and hired Booker T. Washington, another former slave. Washington was recommended by General Samuel C. Armstrong, who led a similar school in Hampton, Virginia.
The School's Humble Beginnings
The Tuskegee school started small on July 4, 1881. It began in a church out-building. In 1882, the school moved to a 100 acres (0.40 km2) piece of farmland. This land was bought with a personal loan. The school grew and became very successful.
A Strong Relationship
Lewis Adams and Booker T. Washington had a close bond, like an uncle and nephew. Adams guided Washington in the Tuskegee community. Adams and his family helped Washington get support from African Americans in the area. Together, they built the school into a self-sufficient community.
Tuskegee's Growth and Legacy
Like Adams, Dr. Washington believed that former slaves needed practical job skills. This would help them support their families. Washington became a famous speaker and raised a lot of money for Tuskegee.
Important Supporters
Wealthy philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie, Collis P. Huntington, John D. Rockefeller, and Henry Huttleston Rogers gave money to the school. Washington remained the principal of Tuskegee until his death in 1915. At that time, the school had over US$1.5 million in funding.
Another Famous Teacher
Another well-known African American who taught at the school was Dr. George Washington Carver. Lewis Adams passed away in 1905. His dream of education for his community lived on through Tuskegee University.
