Letter to Negro Parents Choosing to Go to Trade School for the Time of Slavery Instead of College

I am writing to you, because I have reached that point where I must choose the path that will take me through the rest of my life. I have come to realize after living with Aunt B. to fulfill my desire to learn, and after completing high school I am not satisfied with just my basic education. Going to school to learn the trades is now an obstacle I would like to face to better myself. After being forced to live with Aunt B. so I could attend an average high school, that is not only segregated but lower in value then that of the white school a few blocks down, I have come to realize that I must prove my self worth to both the black and white community. Trade schooling is the best way I see fit to accomplish this goal I have set for myself. While attending this all black school, we have learned a great deal about men who have spoken out for our race to make a difference. Two men in particular have opened up my eyes to the world around me, and have made me realize what I as a member of my race need to do so that we some day may become equal, and be freed from the oppression we face. These two great men I speak about are Booker T. Washington, and W.E.B DuBois.…