Page:Boys Life of Booker T. Washington.djvu/55

Rh important thing to do was to engage in the kind of work that would fit men of his own race to be good preachers, good teachers, and good citizens. In the midst of these thoughts, and before he had definitely made up his mind as to his career, he received a letter from General Armstrong, inviting him to deliver the "postgraduate" address at Hampton at commencement, 1879. This honor brought Washington great joy. He accepted the invitation and chose as his subject, "The Force That Wins." He worked hard for three months on his speech. It made a great impression on all who heard it, and he was acclaimed one of the real orators of his race.