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W. E. B. Du Bois (1868 – 1963), was a very ingenious person of African, Dutch and French ancestry. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Fisk University in 1888, and won a scholarship to attend Harvard University. However, Harvard refused his admission on the basis that the high school he graduated from as valedictorian, and his degree from Fisk University, were inadequate for their graduate program. As a result, he completed a second undergraduate degree at Harvard, his graduate studies, and subsequently his doctorate degree in 1895; thus, he became the first African-American to obtain a doctorate degree from Harvard University.

Thereafter, he became a trailblazer in advocating for the rights of African-Americans to achieve justice and liberation from oppression and exploitation. He articulated his position by writing over 20 books for the education of the nation on issues affecting African-Americans and was considered a philosopher, fiction writer, poet, biographer, and received other such distinct titles. His most influential narrative is entitled, The Soul of Black Folks (1903).

Du Bois started the NAACP along with others whites and was its only African-American founder in 1909. He also served as editor for The Crisis, the official magazine for the NAACP. He estimated a distribution of over 35,000 to Blacks, and over 250,000 to whites who believed in social justice. He established a vision for The Crisis to become an African-American encyclopedia, thus educating others on issues of economic co-operation, revival of art and literature, political action, education, and organization for the promotion of African-Americans and their history.

He promoted cooperation, production, distribution, profit sharing, and building of loan associations, freedom from mob rule, disenfranchisement, emancipation of women, and the abolition of child labor in the areas of economic cooperation. In art and literature, he espoused the resurrection of Black art and history. In political action, he called for the integration of Black votes and the training of politicians to resists bribes. In education, he pleaded for Black children to have free schooling, and the elimination of Black children from being forced into the servant class. He also organized The Talented Tenth to encourage the best of training for Blacks.

Reaction by Others to W.E.B. Du Bois’ Journey

Many have indicated that this is an excellent narrative regarding W. E. B. Du Bois and it is truly a pleasure reading about such an outstanding figure in African-American society. It appears that he was singled out by the government for persecution in an effort to silence his voice. Other opinions have stated that there was an undercurrent in a covert fashion to take away his right of free speech guaranteed under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. His views regarding the advancement of African-Americans were apparently found to be disturbing to the government.

Yet others have articulated that W. E. B Dubois was certainly a thinker beyond his time. Their views are based on his writings and the conflicts he encountered with Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey. It would have be a wonderful accomplishment if both sides had used diplomacy and joined forces in an effort to overcome various issues confronting the Black race in that era. Certainly, this would have shown unity on the part of African-Americans in achieving certain goals and objectives.

One must wonder if it’s a myth or reality that a man is not considered a prophet in his home town. Upon reviewing the history of Marcus Garvey, Stokley Carmichael, Adam Clayton Powell, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., and other African-American liberationists, it appears that they all had enemies, black and white, overt and covert. It’s also interesting to note that the various governments will secretly and diplomatically establish an agreement with an enemy to accomplish a certain goal in exploiting others. Naturally, many African-American leaders of the past have fallen victim to this exploitive form of diplomacy without even realizing it. They also had the same option in terms of strategic employment; however, they failed to realize and used that option for unknown reasons, which is unfortunate. I am looking forward to visiting Ghana where W. E. B. Dubois is laid to rest one day and to learn more about this great literary figure of American History and advocate for social justice.

© Joseph S. Spence, Sr., 9/3/09

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Submitted by “Epulaeryu Master.”