Education was important to former slaves because ...

They weren't allowed in schools, many were out in fields or house slaves. Blacks felt like if they learned they would be treated like they didn't know anything or many whites wouldn't think they were ignorant. Education was important some whites gave blacks tools. Many Blacks first began writing their names before anything else was taught.

It was a way for them to get jobs. If a former slave was educated, it could mean a new beginning for them. On the other hand if a slave was uneducated, they would not have enough money for stable living requierments. So it was very important to be educated because you could start a new life.