The Office of Cultural Affairs recently completed restoration of Lifting the Veil of Ignorance, the historic 1927 sculpture of Booker T. Washington by renowned sculptor Charles Keck. Located in front of Booker T. Washington High School, the artwork has long served as a powerful symbol of education, leadership, and progress.
The statue was commissioned by the school’s principal, Charles Lincoln Harper, and is the only duplicate of the original sculpture, which stands on the grounds of Tuskegee University and the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site. The piece honors one of the foremost Black educators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into slavery in 1856 on a small farm in Virginia, Washington went on to found the Tuskegee Institute in 1881, dedicating his life to creating educational opportunities and advancing economic empowerment for African Americans.
Titled “Booker T. Washington: Lifting the Veil of Ignorance,” the sculpture bears the inscription: “He lifted the veil of ignorance from his people and pointed the way to progress through education and industry.” Charles Keck, celebrated for his portraits and monuments of nationally recognized figures, captured Washington’s enduring commitment to knowledge, leadership, and community advancement.
The recently restored sculpture now shines once again, continuing to inspire students, staff, and community members alike. Its presence at Booker T. Washington High School not only commemorates a pivotal figure in American history but also reinforces the enduring impact of education and civic leadership in Atlanta’s cultural landscape.