Historian. African American leader. Founder of Tuskegee University. Christian scholar. These titles all describe Booker T. Washington, one of the most influential Black voices of the post-emancipation era.

Dr. Kevin Jones, dean of the School of Education and Social WorkatCedarville University, has spent more than two decades studying Washington’s life and work—especially his classic autobiography,“Up from Slavery.”That long study culminated in Jones’newbook,“Down to Character,”inspired by Washington’s teachings.

A Modern Voice for Timeless Values

In "Down to Character,”Jones adapts and updates 16 of Washington’sSunday evening chapel lectures at Tuskegee University,focusing on character and moral development.

“Washington persevered,” said Jones. “He was born a slave, earned his way into a college scholarship, earned his way into philanthropy and built a university from the dirt up. And it all boils down to his character. He was an advisor to presidents, and it all boils down to character. He snuffed out racial and political tensions, and it all boils down to character. Washington’s ‘Up from Slavery,’ to me, boils down to character.”

Washington’s influence reached the White House and helped ease racial and political tensions—all, Jones believes, because of the leader’s personal integrity.

From Vision to Book in 16 Weeks

Althoughthe idea for the book developed over 10 years, Jones completed the writing in just 16 weeks. He wrote early Thursday mornings, imagining he wasspeakingdirectly to his children and his students at Cedarville.

“I write to learn,”said Jones. “And I wrote the book because people’s character stinks. 2 Peter says that God has given you everything you need for life and godliness. If you want to be fruitful and effective, pursue virtues, faith, love and self-forgetfulness.”

Jones emphasized that the book speaks to both believers and unbelievers: “I wrote the book so that Christians could be fruitful and effective, but I also wrote the book that points to moral development even for unbelievers.”

A Message of Hope and Resilience

Jones admitted he struggled to keep each chapter concise and engaging for his target readers —high schooland college students. Yet, understanding today’s learners, he recorded short video lectures for each chapter. So, the learners get to read and watch. His Christian faithreminds readers that “living a moral life is possible, even in the face of immorality.”

“I hope people live with character,” said Jones. “That’s the end goal. I hope people can have hope when they are hopeless. I hope people can be resilient when they feel like giving up. I hope they will lead well. I hope they will live out the character traits in this book. Everybody needs character.”

“Down to Character” is available in print and audio formatsfrom Kendall Hunt Publishing Company and on Amazon.

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduateresidential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.

Written by Charis Marshal