Voices of Change: Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois
How it works
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, two influential leaders emerged in the African American community: Booker T. Washington, author of "Up from Slavery," and W.E.B. Du Bois, author of "The Souls of Black Folk." This period was marked by the pervasive oppression of African Americans, even after the abolition of slavery. Despite these challenges, Washington and Du Bois fearlessly voiced their opinions on the inequality faced by African Americans in the United States, advocating for racial equality and social justice.
Different Paths to Equality
While both leaders shared the ultimate goal of improving the lives of African Americans, they differed significantly in their approaches to achieving this. Their distinct backgrounds and personal experiences shaped their perspectives, leading to diverse strategies for combating racial inequality.
Born in 1856, Booker Taliaferro Washington, often known simply as Booker T. Washington, rose to prominence as one of the most visible African American leaders in the United States during his time. His early life was marked by hardship, having been born into slavery with an unknown white father and a slave mother in what is now West Virginia. After the Civil War, Washington pursued education with a relentless drive, eventually attending the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. He later became the first principal of the Tuskegee Institute, where he focused on vocational training and economic uplift as a means to improve the status of African Americans. Washington's famous "Atlanta Compromise" speech in 1895 emphasized the importance of economic opportunities over immediate social equality. He advocated for a pragmatic approach, suggesting that African Americans should prove their worth through hard work and dedication.
In contrast, W.E.B. Du Bois, born in 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, experienced a different upbringing. Raised by his single mother in a predominantly white community, Du Bois attended Fisk University and later Harvard, where he became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. His studies in Europe further shaped his views on race and history. Du Bois was deeply concerned with what he termed the "Negro Problem," analyzing the devastating impact of racial inequality on African Americans. His seminal work, "The Souls of Black Folk," critiqued Washington's approach and argued for immediate equality and civil rights. Du Bois's writing style was passionate and assertive, employing irony and sarcasm to highlight the social divide and the concept of "double-consciousness," which refers to the internal conflict experienced by African Americans as they navigate both their own identity and the perception of others.
Disagreements on Strategy
The differing philosophies of Washington and Du Bois extended to various aspects of African American life, including voting rights, education, and social roles. Washington's southern background influenced his belief in gradual change, advocating for African Americans to "cast down your bucket where you are." He emphasized self-improvement and moral development, suggesting that African Americans should focus on economic progress to earn respect and equality over time. Washington's approach was seen as pragmatic, appealing to those who favored a more cautious and systematic path to change.
On the other hand, Du Bois rejected the notion of gradualism, calling for immediate action and equality. He criticized Washington's acceptance of racial segregation and low-level education in exchange for economic cooperation from whites. Du Bois's platform demanded full equality across voting rights, education, and economic opportunities. He believed that African Americans should not settle for anything less than complete justice and civil rights, emphasizing the need for a proactive and assertive stance against racial injustice.
The Legacy of Two Leaders
The debate between Washington and Du Bois on voting rights epitomized their broader ideological differences. Washington believed that African Americans needed to earn their rights gradually through economic success, while Du Bois argued for immediate enfranchisement and equality. Du Bois's insistence on full equality underscored his frustration with Washington's passive approach, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to combating racial injustice and inequality.
Ultimately, both Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois left lasting legacies in the struggle for African American rights. Washington's emphasis on vocational training and economic progress laid the groundwork for future generations to build upon, while Du Bois's advocacy for civil rights and social justice inspired countless individuals to fight for equality. Despite their differences, both leaders contributed significantly to the advancement of African Americans in the United States, shaping the course of history in their pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
Voices of Change: Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. (2021, Mar 16). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/two-astounding-leaders-of-the-black-community-in-the-late-19th-and-20th-century/
