From 1863 to our present day in 2021, not much seems to have changed since Lincoln’s time. With the passing of 158 turbulent years, our country could still be described with his words, “Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient….” Hopefully by our examples and teachings, we can help people in our communities, country, and even the whole world to embrace Abraham Lincoln’s ideals. His vision of peace and unity, along with his fervent proclamation to turn our hearts to God once again, can still be realized.

Even as a child who had been born a slave, Booker T. Washington always had a great thirst for knowledge. When the slaves were freed, he worked as hard as he could while a young boy and saved all his money to get an education. Then he walked alone for days to a school that he had heard about for black children, Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Virginia, and worked his way in. After many years of sacrifice and a great deal of hardships, he graduated from this school.