Character Building

Booker T Washington published Character Building in 1902 as a compilation of his Sunday speeches to students. Similar to the numerous books he wrote ranging from the Story of My Life and Work, the precursor to Up From Slavery, to Working With the Hands, Dr. Washington used these books to elevate students and help them grow into their fullest potential. He was adamant about utilizing every opportunity at Tuskegee as a teaching moment. The book begins as a demonstration of humility as he honored the faculty and students who designed and built the Chapel where the speeches were delivered and continued with a dedication of the book to the ""Officers and Teachers of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute who have unselfishly and loyally stood by and supported me in my efforts to build this institution."" As an alum, professor, and Department Head of Architecture at Tuskegee University, the words inscribed in the pages of this book are timeless. The lectures serve as a moral compass to students, faculty, and staff for how to operate at Tuskegee University. His words about thrift, the values of a ""True Education"" and honoring your mother and father, by doing your best work continue to have value for our students. Even his advisement against getting married before you have secured your home remain relevant. Character Building has been a guiding light for my life both in my classroom and in my efforts to navigate the ebbs and flows of life. A true testament to the value of Dr. Washington's speeches to the student, faculty, and staff is the result of the growth of the institute to a university, the erection of Black communities around the country, and the success of Tuskegee alums through the years. It is evident that the moral code emphasized in Character Building was received by those who were present for their initial recitation. In the spirit of this important manuscript, I am including talk number 38, which I delivered to Tuskegee University students on Friday, October 4, 2024 in Willcox building C, room 130, during the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science mass student body meeting. The spirit of the talk titled, ""Come to Class,"" is in accordance with the spirit of Character Building. The aim was the same as Dr. Washington's and it was delivered in a conversational tone, in a similar way as I would speak with my own children. Its purpose was to offer guidance as the students prepare to take their midterm exams and keep them reflective of the sacrifices that are being made currently and the ones made previously. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility they have, because others have ""paid it forward"" for them. Kwesi Daniels, Ph.D. Department Head of Architecture Tuskegee University