Booker T. Washington believed that education was the pathway to freedom for blacks. His philosophy toward reform in the South reflected this mindset. Washington understood that creating educational opportunities for blacks in the South, an area where many blacks were uneducated and often not allowed to educate themselves, was the best plausible means for achieving a more desirable social structure for African Americans. Washington was a pioneer for black education and rights and because of his efforts blacks were able to have more opportunities socially and advocate for themselves through a better understanding of the legal system. Washington knew that reform would not be possible if African Americans did not have access to educational
