"Olivia Davidson Washington" (6-11-1854-5-9-1889)

She was an African-American educator and administrator and critical factor in the creation and success of Tuskegee University with her peer and late husband,Booker T. Washington.The daughter of an ex-slave and freeborn mother (Elias & Eliza),she was one of seven children born in Virginia.The entire family migrated to to southern Ohio in 1857,where Elias died,prompting Eliza to settle farther north in Albany and Athens.This area was influential as an influential as an atmosphere of strong anti-slavery sentiment (the site for three routes of the Underground Railroad).Olivia  knew and interacted with many Oberlin College liberals and the ever-changing urban area.She began teaching at the age of sixteen in Ohio and Mississippi.In 1886,she addressed the Alabama State Teacher Association on the topic "How Shall We Make Women of Our Race Stronger?" stating the way to improve situation for African-Americans was to work with the girls who were the "Hope of the Race."After two years in the Magnolia State,Olivia accepted employment in Memphis,Tennessee.It was a challenging time due to the worst four-year financial period in the city's history and a yellow fever epidemic in 1878.She was on Summer break in Ohio when epidemic broke out.Olivia offered her services as a nurse but was advised to spend time studying at Hampton University A&I in Virginia.Mrs.Rutherford B.Hayes fiancé Olivia scholarship to Hampton.Olivia delivered her class commencement address.Booker T.Washington (class of 1875) was the postgraduate speaker at the ceremony.She further studied at the Framington State Normal School.Olivia was was ill upon her depature,the first sign of her failing health.Soon thereafter she left for Tuskegee,where she served as teacher as teacher,curriculum specialist,principal fund-raiser,and builder as well confidant,wife,and mother. Olivia & Booker were married in August 1886;she was stepmother to his daughter Portia and gave birth to two sons,Booker,Jr.,and Ernest.