An Unassuming Heroism: The Life of Robert Russa Moton tells the story of Robert Russa Moton, who succeeded Booker T. Washington as the head of Tuskegee Institute. While there, he survived white supremacist assaults; became a preeminent leader of the national African American community; developed the university into a four-year institution of ever-increasing international acclaim; and garnered the admiration of and gave counsel to seven U.S. presidents, from Theodore Roosevelt to Franklin Roosevelt.
Despite his impact on national and international race relations from 1915 to 1940, Moton is virtually unknown to the majority of Americans. His immense stature and significance as a champion for civil rights and justice, as well as his role in the field of African American studies, have been greatly diminished. In light of this, Moton’s contributions require a solid reconsideration and reanalysis of the complexities and nuances of his ideas and leadership. Throughout the text, the authors argue that dismissing Moton simply as the torchbearer of Washingtonian accommodationism neglects the larger, true historical record of his life and influence. The entirety of the inspiring life of Moton well warrants publication of this comprehensive premiere biography.