Updated:
October 6, 2006
n a trip to Southern California in March of 1914, Booker T. Washington, the former slave and founder of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, visited Riverside. Crowds of people heard him speak at three different locations on March 23, 1914. His first speech was at the First Congregational Church on 7 th Street, followed by a speech at the Second Baptist Church. His third speech of the day was held in the Cloister Music Room of the Mission Inn. Frank Miller, owner of the Inn, introduced Washington to those assembled to hear the dynamic and influential educator.
Between his speeches, Washington accompanied Frank Miller to the top of Mt. Rubidoux, where the two men were photographed together. Miller owned the mountain where the first Easter Sunrise Service occurred in 1909, where President Taft unveiled a plaque honoring Father Junipero Serra in March of 1909, and years later, where friends would erect the Peace Tower in tribute to Frank Miller.
Washington died on November 14, 1915, at the age of 59. He had made a lasting impression on the citizens of Riverside. Frank Miller honored Washington with a memorial service in the Music Room on November 17, 1915, the same room where Washington had inspired and enlightened an audience the year before. The Reverend Horace Porter, minister of the First Congregational Church, led the devotional service.
In 2001, the Black Voice Foundation began a program to honor Washington and his connection to the history of Riverside and the Inland Empire. In April 2004 the Foundation, in cooperation with the Historic Mission Inn Corporation and Inn owner Mr. Duane Roberts, unveiled a bust of Washington near the entrance to the Mission Inn, with several direct descendents of the educator in attendance.
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