But to teach the Negro to do skilful work, as men of all the races that have risen have worked,--responsible work, which IS education and character; and most of all when Negroes so teach Negroes to do this that they will teach others with a missionary zeal that puts all ordinary philanthropic efforts to shame,--this is to change the whole economic basis of life and the whole character of a people.
The plan itself is not a new one.

It was worked out at Hampton Institute, but it was done at Hampton by white men.

The plan had, in fact, been many times theoretically laid down by thoughtful students of Southern life.

Handicrafts were taught in the days of slavery on most well-managed plantations.

But Tuskegee is, nevertheless, a brand-new chapter in the history of the Negro, and in the history of the knottiest problem we have ever faced.