W.E.B. Du Bois

Definition

W.E.B. Du Bois was an influential African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist who played a vital role in the early 20th century in advocating for racial equality and social justice. He was a co-founder of the NAACP and used his writing and scholarship to challenge the prevailing racial attitudes of his time, making significant contributions to African American literature and thought, especially influencing figures like Morrison, Ellison, and Baldwin.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, showcasing his commitment to higher education and intellectual rigor.
2. His concept of 'Double Consciousness' profoundly influenced later writers and thinkers in understanding the complexities of identity for African Americans.
3. Du Bois believed in the importance of higher education for African Americans and advocated for the 'Talented Tenth,' a leadership class that could uplift the community.
4. He often critiqued Booker T. Washington's approach to racial issues, emphasizing that political action and civil rights were essential for true equality.
5. Du Bois's legacy is reflected in the works of contemporary authors like Toni Morrison, Ralph Ellison, and James Baldwin, who engaged with themes of identity, race, and social justice that he championed.

Review Questions

• How did W.E.B. Du Bois's concept of Double Consciousness impact African American literature?
  • Du Bois's concept of Double Consciousness significantly influenced African American literature by providing a framework for understanding the struggles of identity faced by African Americans. This idea of living with two conflicting identities resonates deeply within the works of authors like Morrison, Ellison, and Baldwin. They incorporated themes of duality and internal conflict into their narratives, reflecting the complexities of navigating a society that marginalized their existence.
• In what ways did W.E.B. Du Bois differ from Booker T. Washington regarding strategies for achieving racial equality?
  • Du Bois differed from Booker T. Washington primarily in his approach to achieving racial equality; while Washington advocated for vocational training and economic self-reliance as a means to uplift the African American community gradually, Du Bois emphasized the need for immediate political action and civil rights. He believed that true equality could not be attained without challenging systemic racism directly and insisted on higher education as a pathway to leadership and advocacy within the community.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of W.E.B. Du Bois on contemporary discussions about race and identity in literature.
  • W.E.B. Du Bois's impact on contemporary discussions about race and identity in literature is profound, as his insights continue to resonate with modern authors grappling with similar themes. His exploration of Double Consciousness laid a foundational understanding of how race influences identity, which remains relevant today. Writers like Toni Morrison and James Baldwin build upon Du Bois's ideas to examine the complexities of race relations, cultural identity, and social justice in their works, showing how his legacy endures in shaping conversations around race and representation in literature.

Related terms

Double Consciousness: A concept introduced by Du Bois that describes the internal conflict experienced by marginalized groups, particularly African Americans, as they navigate their dual identities in a racially divided society.

The Souls of Black Folk: A seminal work by W.E.B. Du Bois published in 1903, which combines essays on race and culture with a personal narrative that explores the experiences of African Americans in post-Reconstruction America.

NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, co-founded by Du Bois in 1909, which aims to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure civil rights for African Americans.