W.E.B. Du Bois

Who Was W.E.B. Du Bois?

W.E.B. Du Bois was a scholar, writer, and activist who fought for the rights of African Americans. Born in 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, he grew up in a relatively tolerant community but still faced racism. He became the first African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University. Du Bois believed in the power of education to achieve equality and worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for African Americans. His ideas and leadership inspired many during the early 20th century.

The Education of W.E.B. Du Bois

Education shaped W.E.B. Du Bois’s life and beliefs. He attended Fisk University, where he first experienced the struggles of African Americans in the South. Later, he studied at Harvard University and then in Germany at the University of Berlin. These experiences exposed him to new ideas about race and equality. Du Bois believed that education was the key to progress and dedicated his life to helping others gain knowledge and opportunity.

The Role of W.E.B. Du Bois in the NAACP

W.E.B. Du Bois co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. He used the organization to fight for civil rights and challenge racial discrimination. As the editor of the NAACP’s magazine, The Crisis, he shared stories of African American achievements and struggles. His leadership helped bring attention to issues like voting rights and segregation. The NAACP became a powerful force for change under Du Bois’s guidance.

W.E.B. Du Bois and the Talented Tenth

Du Bois promoted the idea of the “Talented Tenth,” which argued that a small group of educated African Americans could lead the fight for equality. He believed these leaders could inspire others and lift up the entire Black community. Du Bois encouraged African Americans to pursue higher education and leadership roles. His vision helped shape how people thought about progress and social change. The Talented Tenth remains one of his most influential ideas.

W.E.B. Du Bois’s Views on Booker T. Washington

W.E.B. Du Bois often disagreed with Booker T. Washington, another prominent African American leader. Washington believed in focusing on vocational training and accepting segregation to gain economic independence. Du Bois argued for immediate civil rights and higher education. Their debates highlighted different approaches to achieving equality. While they didn’t always agree, both leaders played important roles in advancing the rights of African Americans.