The Atlanta Exposition speech is a significant moment in Black history that took place on September 18, 1895, in Atlanta, Georgia. The speech was delivered by Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American leader and educator, at the Cotton States and International Exposition.

In his speech, Washington emphasized the importance of vocational education and economic self-reliance for African Americans in the South. He called for Black people to focus on acquiring practical skills and demonstrating their value to society through hard work and perseverance, rather than engaging in political agitation or confrontation.

The Atlanta Exposition speech is notable for its articulation of the philosophy of gradualism and accommodationism, which came to be known as the Atlanta Compromise. Washington's ideas were controversial at the time, as they were seen by some as advocating for Black subservience and perpetuating racial inequality. However, Washington's call for economic empowerment and education resonated with many African Americans and contributed to the advancement of Black communities in the aftermath of Reconstruction.

The speech also marked a shift in the tactics and strategies employed by African American leaders in the fight for civil rights and equality in the United States. While Washington's approach was criticized by some for being too conciliatory, his emphasis on education and economic self-improvement laid the foundation for the later efforts of the Civil Rights Movement.

Overall, the Atlanta Exposition speech remains a pivotal moment in Black history, highlighting the complexities and debates within the African American community about the best path forward in the struggle for racial equality and justice.