Up From Slavery - An Autobiography

Mr. Washington's message of self reliance and the true dignity of labor is not only true but needs much reinforcement today. We, as African-Americans, are our own solution to most of our difficulties and we need not focus so much on entities outside of our own discipline, hard work, and group cooperation for answers. Politics are important but a people working together as a cohesive unit will go much further in improving its condition. Mr. Washington's philosophy was a pleasant surprise.