Herman Cain and the ghost of Booker T. Washington
The history teacher in our family recently completed a tour of the Martin Luther King Jr. complex on Auburn Avenue.
Throughout the King memorial site, she noticed, a pantheon of civil rights greats throughout U.S. history are lauded — with one glaring omission.
Republican presidential candidate and businessman Herman Cain, speaks to delegates before straw poll during a Florida Republican meeting in Orlando, Fla. AP/John Raoux
Booker T. Washington, the first great leader of African-Americans in the post-slavery era, who emphasized economic self-reliance above all else — including the immediate pursuit of social equality — is a nonperson at the King Center. He is an invisible man.
Some might consider the historical slight to be inconsequential. But it goes some distance toward explaining the hurdle that still faces Herman Cain and his — so far — surprisingly successful quest for the GOP presidential nomination.
Cain’s impressive 37 percent showing in last month’s Florida straw poll — besting both Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney — has earned the Stockbridge businessman and radio talk show host some serious attention. And most certainly, more campaign contributions.
Whether an African-American can win a national, tea party-driven nomination process that attracts only a sliver of black voters remains an open question, although Cain certainly seems comfortable in his milieu of choice.
More speculation has focused on whether, should the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza win the GOP nomination, Cain could lure African-American voters away from Barack Obama and his Democratic Party. The president’s lock on black voters remains the key to his re-election — and the idea of tampering with that lock is too tempting to resist.
“I believe, quite frankly, that … I will garner a minimum of a third of the black vote in this country,” Cain told Fox News.
The son of a one-time chauffeur to Coca-Cola philanthropist Robert Woodruff was more provocative in a conversation with CNN.
“Many African-Americans have been brainwashed into not being open-minded, not even considering a conservative point of view,” Cain said.
“Brainwashed” is a harsh word. “Historically conditioned” would be more appropriate.
Booker T. Washington. Photo courtesy of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation
Which brings us back to Booker T. Washington, who died in 1915. For 20 years, beginning with a speech in Atlanta, Washington was the focal point of black-white relations in the United States.
In addresses to freed slaves and the first generations of their offspring, Washington urged patience and the learning of trades, whether menial or professional. To a white ruling elite, he forswore “agitation” — but maintained no race that gave value to society could be held down forever.
Historians taking a second look at Washington call him a political realist. The racial violence of the late 19th and early 20th century offered him little alternative, revisionists argue.
W.E.B. DuBois, Washington’s ideological rival and an Atlanta University faculty member, once told of making his way to a local meeting with Joel Chandler Harris, a white journalist best known for his Uncle Remus stories — but a racial moderate during the period.
“Walking to his office, I passed by a grocery store that had on display out front the drying fingers of a recently lynched Negro,” DuBois said in a 1963 interview. He turned back, and the two never met.
When the marches of the 1950s and ‘60s came, it was DuBois’ strategy of political confrontation that was extolled. Washington’s out-of-step economic message, with its lack of emphasis on mass, public martyrdom, was demonized as “accomodationist.” African-American conservatism, in many respects, has yet to recover.
Separated by a century, Cain and Washington are certainly not peas in a pod. Cain — like Obama — swims in political currents that Washington couldn’t sanction.
“What troubled us about Booker T. was that he did not give us a timetable. When, then, would we be able to assume political and social equality with white folks?” said Marcellus Barksdale, a professor of history and African-American studies at Morehouse College.
In the mid-’60s, Barksdale was two years ahead of Cain at Morehouse. The professor said Washington and his former classmate have much in common. “They converge when they’re talking about self-help among black folk,” he said. “They are alike in the sense that they believe by hard work and by your own efforts, that you can make it.”
Washington and Cain also share a business orientation. Though known as an educator, Washington established the National Negro Business League.
A generation of African-Americans learned the power of street demonstrations that successfully pricked the emotional conscience of white America. But as they marched, Cain sought out the power of the private boardroom, where Ghandian tactics provide no path to real influence.
Cain has felt the bite of discrimination. Where he differs with many, white and African-Americans alike, is that he doesn’t see those past wrongs as critical to the current political dialogue.
In August, Cain was at the state Capitol for a rally with supporters. I noted that he had graduated from Archer High School in 1963 and asked whether he had ever applied to the University of Georgia.
“I did,” the presidential candidate said. “And Georgia Tech, too.”
Only two years earlier, UGA had admitted its first black students. “They still had a quota system and were keeping admission tight,” he said. “I didn’t make the cut.”
But his daughter graduated from the University of Georgia in 1994, Cain said. “What makes this nation great,” he said, “is its ability to change.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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© 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
159 comments Add your comment
MomPossible
October 1st, 2011
10:17 am
Herman Cain is the cure for the entitlement mentality.
This is Mrs. Norman Maine
October 1st, 2011
10:28 am
“Cain said. “What makes this nation great,” he said, “is its ability to change.”
Before anybody lauds Hermie for making this statement, an elderly Tuskegee airman told me the exact same phrase 6 years ago. However, he unlike Herman was not filled with contempt and derision for those who shared the same skin color as himself. He delighted in sharing his accomplishments and the hurdles he overcame to become successful and he was inspirational whereas Herman is divisive.
Chuck
October 1st, 2011
10:44 am
“Victimhood” is an incendiary term. I don’t think the followers of the Dubois, King, line of African American leaders would describe their ideology as victimhood; even though historically blacks were victims of racism. Rather I believe they would say their struggle was for complete social and economic equality. To describe civil rights movement using the term “victimhood” says alot about how YOU view that movements theory of complete intergration into American society. In my opinion, Washington’s view of accepting accepting segragation would have led to a permanent caste system with clear social lines that blacks could not cross…like being President of the United States!
Corey
October 1st, 2011
10:48 am
Mr. Obama has more in common with Booker T. Washington than Mr. Cain. Mr.Washington was also bi-racial- the son of a slave and her master.
Corey
October 1st, 2011
10:52 am
History buffs, there is a marker in Piedmont Park where Mr. Washington gave his famous speech during the expo.
grizzybear
October 1st, 2011
10:53 am
president obama is divisive,not herman cain!
joselineodile
October 1st, 2011
11:03 am
I watched Cain on Jay Leno last night and he sound pretty good , and would be the first to vote for him to replace Obama. This man has business sense, and that you like it or not, it is what is needed for this country to come back to what it was during the Reagan era. I am white and would diffinitely vote for him.
Michael
October 1st, 2011
11:11 am
Shoot, I am black and would vote for him! His values line up more with my own than the current presidents.
Alabama Communist
October 1st, 2011
11:17 am
More Breaking News On Herman’s Amazing Victory In The Florida Republican Straw Vote..A another deep unknown source within the Republican Tea Party said today,, ” It just shows you what a poor Black Man can do with Pizza and become a Great American with a IQ of 12″ Meanwhile the Ghost of Booker T. Washington said today that if Herman becomes President, he will put 2 Jars of Peanut Butter in every white man’s garage!
Taylor
October 1st, 2011
11:23 am
Black or white, it doesn’t matter!!! This guy has the cure to fix our broken system. I just want to give him a hug! (For the record, I am white.)
jack mcbride
October 1st, 2011
11:28 am
My grandfather helped co-author the Booker T. Washington coin, in 1950 at a time when it was not really a popular thing to do. They were a small group of white republicans who fought for that to happen. But back then the republicans were more democratic.
The hatred is still in this country, just below the surface and rises more often than not.
Google black wall street or greenwood oklahoma, in the 20 and 30’s 17 blocks were bombed and burned to the ground, why?? does it matter?? greenwood oklahoma comprised of wealthy blacks, doctors, lawyers they even had planes yet the very gov’t and police helped burn the town.
you can google Madison Square garden germany in america, that will give you pause?
RADIO
October 1st, 2011
11:34 am
I find it unfortunate that you there is no middle ground in politics anymore. Obama has spent his entire campaign and administration telling black peoplee they need to step up in education and get themselves together yet he is labled as an enabler. He told the black caucus this weak that we need to stop whining and complaing and he get criticsized by blacks. He hasn’t promoted entitlement or the victim mentality. The problem I have with politicians righ now is they are all pandering to the wealthy while the folks in the middle suffer.
JWR
October 1st, 2011
11:36 am
Chuck, while you make some excellent points, (and I agree King and his core were not about victimization as an ideology) the black political leadership after King’s death was all about victimization. The Jesse Jackson’s and others like him are nothing but greedy opportunists. They sold out and used their race. Herman Cain is a perfect example for any American, which is why he may be the only hope for the Republicans to take back the White House. I am a former Republican, now independent, and see the rest of the pack as “the same old thing”.
Shine
October 1st, 2011
11:41 am
Kooks for Cain!!
thewindwhistler
October 1st, 2011
11:42 am
There is a new social order. A social order with no limitations. The blacks, latinos, the poor and disenfranchised have found a new leader, Herman Cain. The progressive democracy allows their destiny with an endless opportunities for success. The white power elite is still strong however with liberty and justice for all, the formerly disenfranchised have found a new and vibant personality to lead them out of the wasteland of poverty to a new and brighter future, need I say more? No, I have said it all.
yuzeyurbrane
October 1st, 2011
11:52 am
Uncle Tom
Perspective
October 1st, 2011
11:53 am
I love Cain. A real adult, a real man, someone who has seen and overcome racism, who holds his head high and has no chips on his shoulders, someone who is a terrific role model to ANY one, of any color. Someone with a long history of “smart”, starting with a math degree, moving through taking failing companies and turning them around, not afraid to fire all the dead wood and bring in smart, hard working folks..exactly what is needed in our nation’s capitol today. Even has a better understanding than anyone else about how the Federal Board works, since he was on a local one for awhile.
He is what we need for our economy to explode.
Truly, this man is the next President. Just needs the right Secretary of State and VP choice to round him out..no problem. I trust him to choose wisely.
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
11:58 am
Cain wont be nominated by the racist TEA PARTY no matter how many people online say they will vote for him. And i wonder did Cain object to big liberal government programs like the CIVIL RIGHTS ACT of 64 back when he was younger. probaly not, but he rails against big liberal programs now. this ole fool is just a STEPPIN FETCHIT to keep white republicans amused
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
11:59 am
@perspective
yeah keep dreaming
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
12:02 pm
@thewindwhistler
only a fool needs to be lead, the disenfranchized needs to pick themselves up instead of waiting on CAIN to lead them, smh.
jawja
October 1st, 2011
12:16 pm
Chinese cancel 3 day dog meat festival where upwards of 10,000 dogs are slaughtered. Gov. Perry cited Co Cola’s Muhrta’s comments on his recent visit. Hmmm, I guess Coke goes w/ dog.
Mama Says
October 1st, 2011
12:17 pm
Hey leftie,
continue to show your lack of knowledge. THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT was not a program it was and still is a LAW.
A program would be something like social security.
Yet another example of uneducated voters !
by the way the Tea Party will not nominate anyone. It is a loose group of people all over the country who only have 16% of the republican party who claim membership.
The democrats who are the extreme party amoung us has the huge membership—we should be very concerned about who hey will run.
EricTheRed_VM
October 1st, 2011
12:17 pm
The only thing I take issue with in Mr. Galloway’s piece is his objection to “brainwashed.” Is that a harsh term? Perhaps. And it seemed to hit some people where it hurts; For that comment Democrats in the media have called Cain insulting and even bigoted and racist (wait, I thought blacks couldn’t be racist …)
But what do you call it when for nearly 50 years a party apparatus uses race to keep black Americans on the Democrat plantation with lies. Let’s look at some of these lies, shall we:
- Republicans/conservatives want blacks to return to the back of the bus and sit again at separate lunch tables (all *Democrat* policies BTW)
- Republicans are racists and are no different than the KKK (created by *Democrats* BTW)
- Completely reasonable policies like voter I.D. laws = Jim Crow era laws (a *Democrat* invention BTW)
- The Tea Party movement wants blacks to be hanging from trees (a *Democrat* activity BTW)
- Invoking the important Tenth Amendment to the Constitution (state’s rights) = bringing back slavery (a *Democrat* policy BTW)
- Proposing sound education reform such as vouchers = segregation (a *Democrat* policy BTW)
- That George W. Bush caused Hurricane Katrina to hit New Orleans and then deliberately botched the federal rescue effort because he hates black people.
- That black conservatives like Clarence Thomas deserve to be publicly smeared, ridiculed, marginalized, and libeled.
Sure sounds like “brainwashing” to me.
And what’s the result of this half-century of lies? Multiple generations of dependent people on welfare, the utter dissolution of the black family unit, once-thriving inner cities completely destroyed by crime and poverty, subpar education systems, functional illiteracy, record illegitimacy, and gov’t corruption. But at least they vote Democrat.
But what do I know? I’m just a white Jewish middle class guy from New Jersey. And I am 1000% for Herman Cain!
http://VocalMinority.typepad.com
The Jewish Republican’s Web Sanctuary
Real Talk
October 1st, 2011
12:18 pm
LMAO @ CAIN A BLACK REPUBLICAN SUPPORTED BY THE TEA PARTY……KMSL HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHH
sparta_bubba
October 1st, 2011
12:29 pm
One main difference between Cain and Washington is Washington had to be an Uncle Tom to survive, Cain does not and does it either from choice or perhaps he has been brainwashed. I notice that one common thread of most black conservatives/Republicans is they embrace the notion that any black that does not toe their line has been brain washed. They forget that most blacks were Republicans when they thought Republicans would benefit them and they became Democrats when they thought Democrats would benefit them. I’m sure most blacks would become Republican again if they thought the Republikcan Party had their best interest in mind. Listen to the Tea Party and most Republican “leaders” and tell me why blacks should consider themselves Republican.
Remember most Southern Whites were Democrats at one time and begin to change when Nixon and Goldwater came calling with their Southern Strategy and of course you know the core of that strategy. If not Google it. Lyndon B. Johnson a Democratic President said it best in 1964 when he signed the Civil Rights Act that finally moved blacks from 2nd class citizenship in America. His statement “I fear we (the Democratic Party) has lost the South for a hundred years.” Ole LBJ was correct, the Democratic Party dropped the mantle of hate and racism and guess who picked it up and ran with it.
So Hermie who has been brainwashed?
Michelle
October 1st, 2011
12:39 pm
Go Herman Go!!! Formerly a democratic voter, I will cast my ballot for Cain in 2012.
Ben Holt
October 1st, 2011
12:42 pm
I greatly admire Mr Cain. He is an African-American that I (white) would gladly vote for. I would like to see some Black Leaders openly support him. Surely there are blacks that can share my opinion about Mr. Cain.
Mama Says
October 1st, 2011
12:43 pm
I have posted this before and will try it once more, think about it,
The democratic party has a problem with
war in the middle east
the death penalty
“low” taxes on the poor
anti gay policies
and
anti abortion laws
all things that they are trying and have been trying to change for 50 years. b/c they don’t like the government pursuing those policies and you are pro american and huministic. Yet
if you are against
handouts
abortion
high taxes
and
wasteful spending
you are a racist, activist who hates Obama
sounds like liberals were tea party memebers before the tea party was cool
it alos sounds like they have double standards—a little do what I say not as I do
Kat
October 1st, 2011
12:45 pm
Hands down the best candidate out there… Another vote for Cain.
Reality Bites
October 1st, 2011
12:45 pm
As a descendant of the losing team in the War of Northern Aggression, I say GRATS to Cain for being brave. How many southern blacks, successful or otherwise would dare what he has? He has made his own money and he wants to keep it….what is wrong with that. I see great things in the future for this son of the South.
jgalloway
October 1st, 2011
12:49 pm
Chuck:
You’re right. “Victimhood” is a loaded term. I’ve made an adjustment.
Reality Bites
October 1st, 2011
12:50 pm
Another racial item of note that bears saying….if you notice all futuristic syfy films, no one is rreally white or black….everyone is mulatto……as soon as we lose the two terms(B&W), converstaions like this will be moot.
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
12:52 pm
ALL these folks say they will vote for CAIN wont, and they know it. lol A black will never get the nomination in the republican party.
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
12:54 pm
HERMIE’S just a brain washed STEPPIN FETCHIT good for a minstrel show!
Reality Bites
October 1st, 2011
1:00 pm
@liberalefty….not-so-fast my friend….He might not win the Presidency, but he will have a job in Washington soon….Watch for a HOR or Senate run.
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
1:02 pm
@realitybites
yeah he’d make a good cook! but he cant win a statewide race in georgia against another white republican candidate so the HOR or senate is out.
Mama Says
October 1st, 2011
1:04 pm
by the way hate is hate, at and its the dems who have been taught to hate.
they rail against any moral or religious policy while screaming about how bad and racist the republicans are.
They are trying to change exactly what made this country great. You want religion out of public discourse – yet religion of all types were and are the source of ethics, morals and yes punishment.
They want the majority to feel regret and remorse for having standards and goals. They wrap all conservative minded people who simply want rule of law and morals to guide us, in the blanket of all that is wrong. Act as if there are no racist in their own ranks and act as if their are no homophobes amoung them. All while blasting people who want the government to manage our money and take less of it from us. Yet they want the right to force you into a union which will demand membership dues and then give it to one party, who will line their pockets with the contributions. Contributions which wil earn that group exemptions from the very policies you force on the majority.
You demand equality yet you demean and shame any woman or minority whose choices are different from your own. Crazy, right wing loon, uncle tom—-the kinder words of a party who wants the mean republicans to step aside
look in the mirror libs you are what you hate
TOKENISM
October 1st, 2011
1:05 pm
Herman Cain is playing at politician. His version of politics appeal to that particular base. he won a straaw poll in Florida in a filed of candidates that even the GOP populace admit are seriously limited and not very popular. We, as a nation, have watched potential candidate after potential candidate for the GOP crash and burn after an opening splash. The American people aren’t as uninformed as the GOP had hoped. I was telling my wife this morning, “Crazy political stances and trying to get the soundbite is only good for a few moments, at some point practical politics that move a nation forward is required, and that just isn’t happening in the GOP.”
Cain came in crazy, believed the hype that his handlers and supporters were feeding him, and frankly is winning, at the moment, by default. C’mon, he leads Romney and Perry. Enjoy it for now, Mr. Cain. Until you can offer an idea or vision forward, you may just be back on WSB in Neal Boortz shadow.
Just saying….
Jim
October 1st, 2011
1:05 pm
Being white and from Florida I will vote for Mr.Cain I would like to see a Cain and Newt ticket they
could clean up the mess in Washington. all this racial and victim and all this crap comes from people
following the democrats play book, and those who don’t work and have never worked to support or better themselves.
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
1:06 pm
@ericthered
KENNEDY and Johnson were democrats,remember? i guess u forgot that. and all the SOUTHERN demos AND REPUBS voted against the CIVIL RIGHTS ACT. THANKS FOR YOUR “his —-story” lesson though
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
1:09 pm
@jim
CAIN is just another politician promising “pie in the sky”, lol
Reality Bites
October 1st, 2011
1:15 pm
@liberalefty…….not-so fast my friend(2x)….whats to keep him from moving into a different distric for the House? And before u answer, look at all the redistricting going on. But he will NOT win the nomination for Republican pres race, on that we can agree.
NSangoma
October 1st, 2011
1:22 pm
~
… Historians taking a second look at Washington call him a political realist. …
http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2011/10/01/herman-cain-and-the-ghost-of-booker-t-washington/
The white founding fathers of this country were political realists, too. That is why we are still subjects of the Crown.
Confrontation got us where we are today, not acquiescence.
`
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
1:26 pm
in a few months CAIN will be back on rightwing radio lyin and cheesing to appease his racist audience like a mistrel show buffoon
DannyX
October 1st, 2011
1:27 pm
Surely non-Republicans aren’t supposed to get all excited at the latest Republican candidate-of-the-week are they? After all Republicans sure aren’t.
A Fox News poll last week asked Republican voters their thoughts on the current Republican candidates.
7% of Republicans said they were very impressed with the Republican candidates.
26% said they were somewhat impressed.
27% not very impressed
38% not at all impressed. (lol)
Keep smearing lipstick on them. You all must be drunk, your candidates are a bunch of 3’s, not a 10 in sight. You’ll see when you sleep it off.
DannyX
October 1st, 2011
1:33 pm
What does Cain’s business sense have to do with anything?
Business sense sure didn’t mean anything when it came to electing a governor did it?
Georgia elected a bankrupt career politician Governor.
liberalefty
October 1st, 2011
1:39 pm
@danny
yes the repubs are stating how much they admire CAIN’S business sense,lol. in reality hes a rightwing shock jock who hasnt a chance in hades of being elected.
Corey
October 1st, 2011
1:43 pm
America is not a business. Business and governement are two separate entities, and government can never be run like a business. Whoever is POTUS has to deal with whatever happens in the world that affects the USA or its allies and their allies which is an increasingly complex endeavor with many moving parts. America is not an isolated island where whatever happens in the world at large has no bearing on us. Simplistic slogans without gredations sound nice and are easy for the average American to wrap his or her head around, but in this complex world the ability to nuance is an absolute must. Whenever the POTUS meets with other world leaders he has to deal with people who bring their customs, habits, languages, laws, priciples, policies and the interests of the people they represent to the table with them, and that often times becomes a tricky mine field to maneuver. It’s enought to make the average person’s head explode.
LMAO
October 1st, 2011
1:58 pm
Wow, where was all this support for Cain when he ran for the US Senate in Georgia? The “real” GOP showed its true colors then and will again soon. Truth be told the GOP is out right hostile to people who happen to be black. It’s clear a hand full of blacks is okay with the GOP. Ever notice that there are never more than two or three black conservatives at any event? “Brainwashed”? Its clear who’s been brainwashed – whites in America.
GOP 2012 plan is simple keep millions unemployed to get one black man out of his job.
Lynn
October 1st, 2011
1:59 pm
First, of all you need to do your research – Booker T. Washington was a great Educational pioneer and not a for social change. He encouraged Black people to be self sufficient by maintaining jobs in domestic areas. And to know our place in this society. If you also do a little more research and read, the Souls of Black Folks by W.E.B Dubois you will recognize the counter productiveness of his speeches and thoughts during a time period when Black people were being lynched, burned and shot for trying to advance their cause for voting, civil rights etc. Yes, Herman Cain is some what like Booker T. However, the major difference is Herman Cain has no tolerance for anyone else if they are not an Uncle Tom following in his footsteps!