"Working With the Hands" is a book by Booker T. Washington, published in 1904, serving as a sequel to his autobiography, "Up from Slavery". It focuses on his experiences with industrial training at Tuskegee Institute and emphasizes the importance of manual labor. Washington aims to elevate the status of hand work and make it an attractive and valuable aspect of education. 
The book delves into:
The dignity of labor:
Washington explores the value of manual work and its role in education, drawing from his own experiences and observations. 
Industrial training at Tuskegee:
The book details the practical skills and trades taught at Tuskegee Institute, such as carpentry, printing, shoemaking, and farming. 
Combating racial prejudice:
Washington discusses the societal prejudices against manual labor and how Tuskegee aimed to overcome them by demonstrating the value of practical skills. 
Promoting self-reliance:
The book advocates for a balanced education that combines intellectual and practical skills, fostering self-reliance and economic independence. 
Transformative power of education:
Washington highlights the role of education in uplifting individuals and communities, particularly in the context of the South's rural and small-town settings. 
"Working With the Hands" reflects Washington's philosophy of practical education and his belief in the power of hard work, economic progress, and self-improvement to advance African Americans in society.