Booker T. Washington

When the economy was suffering from the majority of blacks flowing into the North from the South immediately after blacks were granted their freedom, Fredrick Douglas shared his thoughts on the subject. He thought the north was not meant for such a large influx of people and was the reason why the majority of blacks could not find jobs and had to move into the poor inner cities. If they move to the South, they would easily be able to find a job working on a plantation and keep the South’s economy going. They also would be able to set the demands from their white employers, but most blacks did not like the idea of working for someone who treated their race so horribly. He also thought that staying in the South would force the idea of freedom in the South.

Booker T. Washington had similar ideas as Douglas on the subject of blacks staying in the South. Washington thought blacks could thrive in the South. Blacks would be given a better chance to succeed in the commercial world in the South, rather than in the North. He thought blacks needed to stop and reflect on the life they could have in the South before making a haste decision to move to the North. He understood the Negro race wanting to leave after gaining their freedom, but thinks it is ultimately the wrong decision. Washington mentioned African Americans needing to understand they cannot start at the top immediately after gaining their freedom. They are going to have to work hard and work hard for a while before they start moving up in society. He also advises to not look down upon labor but to dignify it and use their skills in their work and their life.