The Atlanta Exposition Speech, also known as the "Atlanta Compromise," was delivered by African American leader Booker T. Washington on September 18, 1895, at the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia. In his speech, Washington emphasized the importance of economic progress and education for African Americans in the post-Reconstruction era.

Washington's speech called for cooperation between the races in the South, advocating for African Americans to focus on vocational education and economic self-reliance rather than directly challenging the system of segregation and discrimination. He believed that by demonstrating their value as productive members of society, African Americans could gradually earn the respect and acceptance of their white counterparts.

The speech was controversial at the time, as it was seen by some as a compromise that accepted the status quo of racial segregation rather than advocating for full civil rights. However, Washington's emphasis on education and economic empowerment laid the foundation for the gradual advancement of African Americans in the years to come.

The Atlanta Exposition Speech remains a significant moment in Black history as it reflects the complexities and strategies employed by African American leaders in navigating the challenges of the Jim Crow era and advocating for progress in the face of systemic racism.