Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality

by Brian Kilmeade

The New York Times bestselling author of George Washington's Secret Six and Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates turns to two other heroes of the Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington.

When President Theodore Roosevelt welcomed the country’s most visible Black man, Booker T. Washington, into his circle of counselors in 1901, the two confronted a shocking and violent wave of racist outrage. In the previous decade, Jim Crow laws had legalized discrimination in the South, eroding social and economic gains for former slaves. Lynching was on the rise, and Black Americans faced new barriers to voting. Slavery had been abolished, but if newly freed citizens were condemned to lives as share croppers, how much improvement would their lives really see? In Teddy and Booker T., Brian Kilmeade tells the story of how two wildly different Americans faced the challenge of keeping America moving toward the promise of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Theodore Roosevelt was white, born into incredible wealth and privilege in New York City. Booker T. Washington was Black, born on a plantation without even a last name. But both men embodied the rugged, pioneering spirit of America. Kilmeade takes us to San Juan Hill, where Roosevelt led his Rough Riders to a thrilling victory that set the stage for a legendary presidency, and to a small town in Alabama, where Washington founded the first university for African Americans, paving the way for the Civil Rights Movement. Both men abhorred the decadence and moral rot the nation had fallen into, believed that improvement through careful collaboration was possible, and trusted that the American ideals of individual liberty and hard work could propel the neediest toward success, if only those holding them back would step aside.

As he did in George Washington's Secret Six, Kilmeade has transformed this nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you turning the pages to find out how these two heroes, through their principles and courage, not only changed each other, but helped lay the groundwork for true equality.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, American History, Historical, Politics, Presidents

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2023

About the author

As cohost of FOX & Friends, the number one rated morning program on cable television for the past nine years, Brian Kilmeade shares his unique perspective on the daily news. He has interviewed the biggest names in politics, sports and entertainment, often securing exclusive content.

Kilmeade played a large part in FOX ís coverage of September 11th, as well as coverage including reporting from war zones in the middle east and over a dozen military bases from coast to coast. In addition, he has contributed live coverage of both the Democratic and Republican Party Conventions.

Also serving as the networks sports anchor, Kilmeade has reported on or provided live coverage of every major American sport over the last twenty years.

Currently, he is the host of the nationally syndicated radio talk show on FOX News Radio, Kilmeade & Friends. The show is heard on 80 stations, as well as XM and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Kilmeade’s first book, The Games Do Count: America’s Best & Brightest On The Power Of Sports (2004), was The New York Times best-seller and presents more than seventy stories straight from America’s top leaders and those who were closest to them. Kilmeade reveals this simple and compelling truth: America’s best and brightest haven’t just worked hard—they’ve played hard, too.

His companion volume, It’s How You Play the Game: The Powerful Sports Moments That Taught Lasting Values to America’s Finest (2007), reveals personal stories of the defining sports moments in the lives of athletes, CEOs, actors, politicians, and historical figures—and how what they learned on the field prepared them to handle life and overcome adversity with courage, dignity, and sportsmanship. Sports Illustrated said of it, “This book taught me more about some of my favorite leaders than any profile of them I had ever read.”

A graduate of Long Island University, Kilmeade began his career as a correspondent on Channel One, a daily national high school television news program. He then served as an anchor and host for KHSC-TV in Ontario, California. Brian also hosted sports talk radio for top rated XTRA-AM 690 whose duties included co-hosting The Jim Brown Show.

Prior to joining FOX News Channel, Kilmeade served as a freelance sports anchor for NBC in Hartford, as well as a sideline reporter for the MSG Network, where he covered the New York/New Jersey Metro-Stars, a major league soccer team based in Giants Stadium. He worked as a feature reporter and anchor for Newsport TV, where he hosted Newsport Journal, a daily magazine show for the national sports network. He also anchored Scoreboard Central, a live half-hour general sports program.

In addition to his career in journalism, Kilmeade has 10 years of experience as a stand-up comedian. He lives in Massapequa with his family, where he still coaches soccer.

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know that author is a popularizer of history, but I think that he tried to pack way too much US history into this short book. He took a scattershot approach, and did not cover anything with depth. Washington and Roosevelt don’t even meet until the half way point of the book. Then there are examples of how Washington influenced Roosevelt’s decisions as President. Before that, we get parallel histories of the two men. Both men led fascinating and accomplished lives, and the book races through them. Roosevelt’s life, in particular, takes volumes to relate.

I hope that this book piques the interest of people who knew little about Washington and/or Roosevelt and convinces them to read further. There is a reading list at the end of book. Unfortunately, this book was too condensed for me. 3.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Vanessa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this title for those who desire an overview of both President Roosevelt and Dr. Washington, specifically of their combined efforts to raise up and help Black Americans to be seen as equal citizens and to prosper during the Reconstruction era and during the Jim Crow period. Kilmeade also gives great detail to the life and works of Mr. W.E.B. Du Bois, who tendered different views than Washington on the race problem.

I felt that Kilmeade did a wonderful job with using the model of comparing and contrasting the two men's lives to illustrate their correspondence, visits, and warm relationship.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington came from very different backgrounds. Theodore’s family could trace their roots back to 1650 when their ancestors settled in New Amsterdam (now New York). Through the generations the Roosevelts became wealthy merchants and bankers. Theodore’s childhood was one of privilege and prestige. He attended the best schools and traveled the world. However, Theodore’s father also believed that philanthropy should be associated with their name.

Booker T. Washington was born enslaved. He was illiterate and lacked any social skills. He actually had no name. He had never slept in a bed, had only the clothes on his back, and did not even know how to use a toothbrush! As a small child he yearned to learn how to read and write. After the Civil War, he was determined to become educated. Through hard work and with some luck he was able to achieve greatness. He was also determined to help others who, like him, wanted to live a better life.

Both men shared the same desire to insure racial equality and equal opportunity for African Americans during the “Jim Crow Era” and beyond. Both men worked closely together on political issues, but they were also friends.

Author Brian Kilmeade details the tireless efforts of both men to “help America live up to its promise of liberty and justice for all”.

At this critical period in American history, this timely book is a valuable source of information to inspire students and adults as well.

[Bill Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several of Brian Kilmeade’s books. I enjoy his take on history; he makes it interesting, entertaining, and informative. Teddy and Booker T, in my opinion, is his best yet, and I highly recommend it.

I have been fascinated with Teddy for years and read several biographies. I knew less about Booker T, but found him as fascinating as Teddy. Booker’s concept of black education and training, be it classical, technical, or trade-related, was spot-on for his time and still very relevant today. However, I am less impressed with the Du Bois concept of “the talented tenth.”

Brian’s story of Teddy and Booker T drives home the point that history is an unending journey that requires time, patience, and wisdom. Regardless of race, we desperately need more men like Teddy and Booker T today.

I look forward to Brian’s next story.

[Ken Karcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to new books about Teddy Roosevelt, but this one also compares and contrasts the life of Booker T. Washington exhibiting their challenging customs involving systematic racial division. Roosevelt existed at a time when progressives fought for the rights of people to live freely and thrive as opposed to their fights today. Roosevelt always fought for fairness and led the way as a democratic force. I learned considerably more about Dr. Washington than I had known before, it was fascinating to see his rise adjunct to Roosevelt's. He, like the Colonel, was an educated man who led people in search of a better life but having to deal with the world as it actually was and not as they had wished it to be. It's hard to fathom in this day and age the depths that racial division existed and how pernicious it was. Washington and Roosevelt fought against it both in their own ways, and we should be thankful they did, imagine how it would be if these two great leaders weren't there to bring us out of the darkness. Kilmeade writes as eloquently as he speaks, with great intelligence and purpose, illuminating the strides made by those giants drawing this nation forward into the 20th century. Any good history book leads a curious student to other tomes, and this is no different. I now have a desire to look at more concerning the life of Dr. Washington and his successors to give voice to the suffering they chose to overcome. Kilmeade shows us the successes and failures these men endured in their lives and their attempts to move this country and its people into the world of modern nations without the stain of bigotry and hatred. This will not be the final book written by this author that I will read, knowing now how carefully he examines both sides of all these issues makes it imperative I give him the time to instruct me where my education may be lacking. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can teach me. Very well written and well researched, I highly recommend this for both the serious history buff as well as the occasional curious readers.

[Alexandra Bianco · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this really boring and poorly written. There were several typos. Just seemed sloppy and uninteresting.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a lightweight. Author didn’t really engage on much of substance.

[Jan Petro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Kilmeade deftly parallels the life stories of Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington. Born a slave, Booker has set his mind to obtaining an education. He is given the opportunity to start a school for negroes in Tuskegee, Alabama. Spending much of his life giving speeches and fundraising for his successful college. Although born into wealth, Teddy is born a sickly child and must make his body strong to survive. Enjoying both the outdoors and politics Roosevelt ascends to President. After reading ‘Up from Slavery’ Theodore knows he needs Booker’s advice and assistance to understand the South. These incredible men form a bond of mutual respect and advance the status of the black race in the early 1900’s.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about two great men! It was not incredibly in depth about either of them, but I don’t believe that was the intent. It was interesting to see how similar their lives were, even though the circumstances of their births wouldn’t suggest that be the case. Lots of history packed into this book!

[Debbie Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy and Booker T: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality by Brian Kilmeade is such a good book, very muscular, little fat. The description of the Battle of San Juan Hill is the best I’ve read since my 2022 reading of battle descriptions in Alex Kershaw’s excellent book Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II. Kilmeade’s book expanded so much in terms of racial context for this period compared to two related books I read in 2023, Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington and The Old Lion: A Novel of Theodore Roosevelt by Jeff Shaara. In 2021 I listened to the audiobook The President and the Freedom Fighter by Brian Kilmeade about Frederick Douglass and Lincoln which I liked very much. Both Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt were mission driven energetic men, who accomplished so much in their lives contributing to the greater good of society, and Kilmeade’s book illustrates this with details.

There are numerous examples in this book about how both state and federal courts upheld segregation, instead of interpreting issues from a Constitutional perspective. I wondered if ruling elites feared a second civil war might break out due to the powder keg of residual anger and hate many people held in the former slave states. The thing that really illustrated the degree of acrimony that existed, was when Roosevelt invited Washington, who was in town, to come to the White House for a family dinner, so they could talk afterward about political appointments. The “morning after” universal reaction in the press was immediate and explosive. You have to read it to believe it. Meanwhile, the whole time I’m reading about all the decades of work done by Roosevelt, Washington, Dubois and others to advance equality in the civil service among many other issues, I knew Woodrow Wilson’s 1913 move to segregate the civil service lay ahead, like a wrecking ball.

Reading this book made me want to learn more about W.E.B. Dubois, a player during this time period, and why he ended up moving to Ghana (he lived into his 90s). It also prompted me to want to read more books on this time period. So many historic books of this period are all about “Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Harlem Renaissance” and gloss over the pervasive horror of racism, particularly in the previous slave states. I learned about Woodrow Wilson’s efforts to restore segregation in Washington DC, and now want to read Racism in the Nation's Service: Government Workers and the Color Line in Woodrow Wilson's America by Eric S. Yellin As I read about the friction between Washington and Dubois, I flashed back to Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, and the plan to “yes them to death.” Despite the conflict between them, in later years Dubois defended Washington’s legacy to a critic. He had plenty of time to put things in context, as he lived almost half a century past Washington’s death.

Teddy and Booker T is an engagingly written, well researched and documented book. It is a refreshingly unvarnished look at the nation from the early days of Washington’s and Roosevelt’s lives (born two years apart: Washington 1856, Roosevelt 1858), to their deaths (Washington in 1915, Roosevelt in 1919). The narratives of their lives alternate progressively throughout the book in a way that is cohesive and easily understood. Kilmeade writes, “In the mid-nineteenth century, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass formed a unique friendship to confront slavery; by century’s end, Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington, an equally unlikely pair, emerged as the heirs of the Lincoln-Douglass partnership.”

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you know that the first guest Theodore Roosevelt invited to the White House was Booker T. Washington? I knew that since I've read most of the books about Roosevelt that have been published in the last half century, and I'm glad to see this event, and their relationship, is finally getting closer attention.

The author does a great job taking real history and making it accessible to the masses, written in a way that makes it read like a novel. Alternating chapters show how these men grew up, one as a slave who had to claw his way up, and another who was born to privilege and wealth. Some of their experiences were similar in their personal lives, while some diverged greatly.

Teddy Roosevelt was a progressive who believed in a lot of things you don't associate with the Republican Party. In fact, many of the things he pushed for during his life were brought to fruition by his fifth cousin, the Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt. Theodore was ahead of his time when it came to race relations, while at the same time said some things publicly that make us cringe today. He definitely had a dichotomy about him. The fact that he brought Booker T. Washington to the White House almost immediately after succeeding to the office shows he was willing to test the waters of society. Unfortunately, the backlash was so severe in the press and from the south that Washington was never invited for dinner again.

That's not to say the two men didn't work together. Many times, Roosevelt consulted with Booker T. about race relations and tried to surreptitiously move the country forward. Roosevelt appointed many black men to posts that had previously not had any, or not since Reconstruction ended. They relished in their similar goals but came to loggerheads a few times.

If you want to know more about race relations in the United States at the turn of the last century and how two powerful men attempted to make things better, I highly recommend this book.

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Sentinel Books. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

For more reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com.

[Jeanne Charbonneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling parallel life stories presented in alternating chapters for the first half of the book. Comprehensively presented history of persistent social, economic and political challenges that our country still -- to this day -- struggles to address and resolve. But, heartening in the presentation of the persistence of great leaders determined to make progress. I learned SO much -- and (quite honestly) thought I already was pretty well aware of the issues and dynamics. Not so much, it turns out! When history is readable and understable and well-documented (hundreds of end-notes), maybe lessons will be learned and changes can be made. We can hope, right?

[Erin Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction at times doesn't hold my attention, but the writing was clear and engaging. The book alternated chapters on Booker and Teddy, starting with how they were raised, their formative years and up until they met, and formed a friendship based on a similar mentality on racial equality. Important read about two courageous and inspiring men.

[Jen Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alternating chapters between both men’s lives, showcasing similarities despite their enormous differences, Teddy and Booker T is a phenomenal book! I didn’t realize just how great a role Washington played in the development of our country post-civil war. I also wasn’t aware of the bromance that existed between these two men. Highly recommend.

[Marc Levenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to audio version. The narration, done by the author, was awful. This may be more due to the editing, bc some sentences are obviously spliced. The result is that the narration mostly sounds like a basketball coach talking to his team at halftime, and for a few seconds here and there like a cab driver shouting out of his window. There are sentences where the aural syntax is broken—something that often happens when someone is asked to read something out loud that they have never read before.

The book is dueling high school reference biographies of BTW and TR but really gets good about 2/3 of the way through with the actual cooperation of the two, along with the introduction of villains—for TR machine politics and for BTW, WEB Dubois.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really interesting to learn how these two men came to be friends and worked together to promote racial justice. I really enjoyed learning about Booker T Washington and his goals for Black progress and equality. Although they faced many struggles fueled by prejudice and bigotry, they still made an impactful step towards racial progress in America. Considering the author of this book works for Fox News, it was a book that championed racial progress and equality.

[Ethan Mignard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read about two inspiring figures from America’s history and their productive but imperfect partnership for the cause of advancing the welfare of black Americans. I would have liked to see Kilmeade explore the controversies surrounding their respective approaches earlier and in a bit more depth, but still recommend. I appreciated the way he highlighted the commonalities in the vastly different paths they took to international prominence.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative about the relationship of Roosevelt & Washington but I felt it was rather skewed toward Washington’s accomplishments. Yes, Roosevelt made some bad choices when it came to African American relations but it is hard to compare to the bad choices that Washington made when none were identified. No one is perfect and that is how this book portrays Washington.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of two contemporaries who had positive visions for the country. The author included mistakes that were made by both individuals but gave a good overview of both Booker’s and Teddy’s lives. Their connection was something of which I was not familiar. I enjoyed the writing style and the careful documented research that was done.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was recommended this book by my dad - I learned a lot from it. I didn’t know that Booker T. Washington consulted for Teddy Rosevelt (and Taft) and I didn’t know much about either of their history. Interesting and educational read.

[Jake Petty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful historical review and account of two great American legends. They’re interconnectedness as well as their independent challenges and triumphs. The author did a great job balancing this story and providing us with insight of a world not so far away.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good survey book of these two American heroes. Felt similar to O'Reilly's Killing series. I would recommend for history-loving pre-teens/teens.

[Beth Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book more than I expected. An unlikely friendship between two men who come from two very different lifestyles and their contributions to America. A real eye opener to how bad slavery truly was even after it was abolished.

[Rod Innis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well-written book. It was fair and showed the strengths and weaknesses of both men. They were truly great men in their day. I knew some of the things about both men but really didn't know about their friendship or how that relationship affected America. It shows some of the terrible thinking and behavior at the time and how both men tried to change that. It is well worth reading. The author has written several other books on American history that I enjoyed as well.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid biography of two fascinating and influential men, focusing on the arenas in which their lives overlapped.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I'd gotten the hardback out of the library, I subsequently found the Audio CD also available, and that was how I consumed this book. Having read Jeff Shaara's "The Old Lion" and Adam Hochschild's "American Midnight" recently I had a pretty good leg up on Theodore Roosevelt's life, but I knew little about Booker T. Washington. So, I'll give this narrated book credit for that.

However, the narration by the author, Mr. Kilmeade, was dreadful. I don't know him from Adam, but I'm surprised that his television experience hasn't made him a better narrator. He sounded bombastic and one-note quite often (since the credits say he works for Fox News Channel (which I never watch) that may be the reason for his delivery), and when edits had to be inserted, they were much louder, even more shrill, and really jarring. Penguin Random House has a lot to answer for with its "production" values for this audio rendition.

These really were two parallel biographies, the protagonists only joined rather late in each man's life. I honestly thought the Booker T. Washington story to be a more compelling one, at least as told here.

Since I learned from the book, it gets two stars, but I don't know that I'd recommend it to others for reading, definitely not for listening.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I received it as a Christmas present and was curious to hear Mr. Kilmeade’s assessment of race relations. To his credit, I thought he wove the information together skillfully. I’ve done a decent amount of reading on Teddy Roosevelt, and virtually none on Booker T Washington, so it was a nice mix of refresher course and intro 101. I would be genuinely interested to hear, though, how Mr. Kilmeade reconciles his writing this book and his position as a mouthpiece for a media organization and a political party that has done and is doing immeasurable damage to the efforts TR and BTW fought for.

[Brian King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I anticipated a rather in-depth look at the work of these two men on the front of racial justice, but that is not what this book provided. Although full of interesting historical facts and still a good read, I don’t believe it read as advertised.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brian Kilmeade has done a great job of taking a HUGE topic in history and compressing it all into a coherent and meaningful history book.

[Jim Swike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting how the two interacted, not enough for me. Maybe you will feel differently.