The Atlanta Exposition Speech, also known as the "Atlanta Compromise" speech, was delivered by African American leader Booker T. Washington at the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia on September 18, 1895. In his speech, Washington called for economic cooperation and unity between African Americans and white Americans in the South, emphasizing the importance of education, vocational training, and self-improvement for African Americans as a means to achieve social and economic progress.

Washington's speech was significant in Black history because it reflected his philosophy of gradualism and accommodation, which sought to establish better race relations through economic advancement rather than confrontational politics or activism. While the speech was criticized by some African American activists such as W.E.B. Du Bois for its perceived endorsement of segregation and lack of emphasis on civil rights, it also garnered support from many white audiences and politicians, helping to elevate Washington as a prominent spokesperson and leader in the African American community.

Overall, the Atlanta Exposition Speech was a pivotal moment in Black history as it highlighted the complexities of race relations in the post-Reconstruction South and sparked debates within the African American community about the most effective strategies for achieving racial equality and justice.