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Robert Russa Moton

was born August 26, 1867 on a plantation in Amelia County, Virginia. His parents (former slaves) quickly grasped the concept of freedom, its new responsibilities and its possibilities for their son. Even before public school for Blacks opened, young Moton was instructed in the basics of reading and writing and when school for Blacks did open, Robert Moton was one of the first children enrolled.

Encouraged to continue his education beyond what was available in the public school system, Moton sought enrollment at Hampton Institute in Hampton, Va., but, ironically, he failed his entrance examination. However his sincere character caused the Commandant of Cadets to recommend that he be given a chance to prove himself. He was admitted on a trial basis to the lowest class in the night school and given a job at the Institute's sawmill. He did so well in the night school, that at the beginning of the second term, he was enrolled in the regular day school. Four years later (1890) he graduated from Hampton.

Upon graduation, Moton was asked to remain at the Institute as Assistant to the Commandant of Cadets. "Commandant" was a title equivalent to "Dean." Later, he became the first Black Commandant of Cadets. As such was the custom at that time, the title of Major was assigned him to reflect his new responsibilities. He continued to be known as Major Moton to his friends throughout his life.

Shortly after the death of Booker T. Washington at Tuskegee Institute, Moton was appointed as the second principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. A vocational school at the time of his appointment, Tuskegee – under Moton's leadership – developed into a degree granting college with international recognition.

Among other achievements of Moton, was the establishment of a hospital for Black veterans at Tuskegee, a hospital managed and staffed by Blacks. He was instrumental in getting an officers training school for Blacks at Des Moines, Iowa, and later a similar operation at Tuskegee. He served as President of the National Business League, the Negro Organization Society, and worked with numerous other groups in efforts to improve the lives of Black Americans.