W.E.B. Du Bois

Definition

W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist who co-founded the NAACP and advocated for the rights of African Americans during the Progressive Era. He challenged the prevailing notions of racial inferiority and called for immediate political and social equality, emphasizing the importance of higher education for the African American community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1895, highlighting his commitment to education.
2. He argued that the social issues facing African Americans could not be solved through economic advancement alone, but required political action and social change.
3. In 1905, Du Bois helped organize the Niagara Movement, which opposed Washington's approach and demanded full civil rights.
4. He believed in the necessity of a liberal arts education for African Americans to cultivate leaders who could advocate for their rights.
5. Du Bois's work laid the foundation for future civil rights movements and emphasized the need for activism and advocacy against racial discrimination.

Review Questions

• How did W.E.B. Du Bois's views on education differ from those of Booker T. Washington, and what impact did this have on African American activism?
  • W.E.B. Du Bois believed in a liberal arts education as essential for developing leaders among African Americans, contrasting with Booker T. Washington's emphasis on vocational training. Du Bois felt that higher education would empower individuals to fight for civil rights and advocate for social change. This ideological divide led to different approaches within the African American community regarding how best to achieve equality and shaped activism during the Progressive Era.
• Analyze how W.E.B. Du Bois contributed to the founding and objectives of the NAACP, and why this organization was significant during his time.
  • W.E.B. Du Bois played a crucial role in establishing the NAACP in 1909, which aimed to combat racial discrimination and promote civil rights for African Americans. He served as the editor of its publication, 'The Crisis,' using it as a platform to raise awareness about racial injustices and mobilize support for civil rights initiatives. The NAACP became significant as it united various efforts toward racial equality and provided a structured approach to challenging discriminatory laws and practices.
• Evaluate W.E.B. Du Bois's legacy in the context of contemporary civil rights movements and how his ideas continue to resonate today.
  • W.E.B. Du Bois's legacy is evident in contemporary civil rights movements, as his advocacy for immediate social change and political equality laid foundational principles that continue to inspire activists. His concept of the 'Talented Tenth' remains relevant, highlighting the need for educated leaders within marginalized communities to drive social progress. Additionally, his critiques of systemic racism and economic inequality resonate in current discussions about racial justice, illustrating that many challenges he identified persist today.

Related terms

NAACP:

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization founded in 1909 that aimed to secure civil rights and eliminate racial discrimination against African Americans.

Talented Tenth: A term coined by Du Bois referring to the top ten percent of educated African Americans who he believed should lead the fight for civil rights and uplift the black community.

Booker T. Washington: An African American educator and leader who advocated for vocational training and gradual advancement for African Americans, often contrasting with Du Bois's more immediate push for civil rights.