On October 16, 1901, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt invited Dr. Booker T. Washington to dine with his family at the White House, marking the first time a Black American was formally hosted there. This historic occasion followed the founding of the National Negro Business League on August 23, 1900. At the time, Booker T. Washington served as a prominent spokesperson for Black America, collaborating with Presidents from both major political parties.