W.E.B. Du Bois

Definition

W.E.B. Du Bois was an influential African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist born in 1868. He is best known for his role in advocating for the rights of Black Americans during the Great Migration, a period when millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to urban areas in the North seeking better opportunities and escaping Jim Crow laws. His work emphasized the importance of education, political representation, and social equality.

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, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence.
2. He argued that the talented tenth of the African American community should lead the fight for civil rights and uplift the entire race through education.
3. Du Bois was critical of Booker T. Washington's approach to racial issues, advocating instead for immediate civil rights and political action rather than accommodation.
4. His concept of 'double consciousness' described the internal conflict experienced by subordinated groups in an oppressive society, highlighting the struggle for identity.
5. During the Great Migration, Du Bois focused on how urban migration changed the social dynamics of African American life, leading to new cultural expressions like jazz and literature.

Review Questions

• How did W.E.B. Du Bois's views on education influence African American leaders during the Great Migration?
  • W.E.B. Du Bois emphasized that education was crucial for the advancement of African Americans, arguing that a well-educated elite, referred to as the 'talented tenth,' should lead their communities. This perspective inspired many African American leaders during the Great Migration to prioritize education as a means to achieve social equality and improve their socioeconomic status in urban environments.
• In what ways did Du Bois critique Booker T. Washington's approach to racial issues, and how did this critique reflect the larger debates among African American leaders during the Great Migration?
  • Du Bois critiqued Booker T. Washington's emphasis on vocational training and economic self-help as a strategy for African American advancement. He believed that Washington's approach compromised civil rights and delayed social equality. This debate represented a significant divide among African American leaders during the Great Migration, with some advocating for immediate political rights and others supporting gradual economic progress.
• Evaluate W.E.B. Du Bois's impact on African American culture and activism during the Great Migration, considering both his writings and his organizational efforts.
  • W.E.B. Du Bois had a profound impact on African American culture and activism during the Great Migration through his writings and founding of organizations like the NAACP. His work provided a framework for understanding racial identity and social issues, inspiring a generation of activists who fought for civil rights. The themes he explored in 'The Souls of Black Folk' resonated with many who sought to articulate their experiences in urban settings, leading to significant cultural developments like the Harlem Renaissance that celebrated Black identity and creativity.

Related terms

Niagara Movement: A civil rights organization founded by Du Bois and others in 1905 that sought to address racial discrimination and promote civil rights for African Americans.

The Souls of Black Folk: A seminal work published by Du Bois in 1903 that discusses the struggles of African Americans and introduces concepts such as double consciousness and the importance of higher education.

NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, co-founded by Du Bois in 1909, which aimed to fight for civil rights through legal challenges and advocacy.