Answer in about 150 words

Up from Slavery- An Autobiography by Booker T. Washington

How did the address, made by Washington at Atlanta, shape his stature as a 'National icon'?

Washington frequently made trips to North in order to raise money for the school. In order to raise money, he used to give speeches and just established himself as a public speaker and a black leader. He received invitations for giving speeches at various places few of which included, Atlanta Cotton States and International Exposition. His stand on racial discrimination and upliftment had become concrete. He advised slaves to “cast down their buckets where you are” and expresses the need for agitation on the political front. He emphasizes on the rising need to streamline business interests otherwise the mass “can be as separate as the fingers”. Washington’s address at Atlanta, shaped his stature as a ‘National icon’ and raised him to new levels of fame and recognition.