Booker T. Washington is celebrated for founding the historic Tuskegee Institute, a prominent school in Alabama aimed at providing education, vocational training, and opportunities for African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Washington's approach focused on self-help, hard work, and practical skills, empowering students to gain economic independence and success. His contributions to education greatly influenced the landscape of African American education and the broader movement for civil rights, emphasizing the importance of education in achieving social equality.