W. E. B. Du Bois: Biography & Achievements
He was a famed writer, a sociology expert and a hero among the American civil rights activists. W. E. B. is an abbreviation of his full name, William Edward Burghardt....
Category: W.E.B. Du Bois
W.E.B. Du Bois was an influential African American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and writer who played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of African Americans in the early 20th century.
His writings, activism, and scholarship continue to inspire and influence discussions on race, society, and civil rights globally.
In the article below, World History Edu present 15 frequently asked questions about Du Bois:
When and where was he born?
Du Bois was born on February 23, 1868, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
What is Du Bois best known for?
He is best known for his leadership role in the Niagara Movement and the formation of the NAACP, his opposition to Booker T. Washington’s approach to civil rights, and his seminal work, “The Souls of Black Folk.”
What was “The Souls of Black Folk”?
Published in 1903, it’s a collection of essays in which Du Bois explores the question of race in America, introducing the concept of “double consciousness” — the sense of always viewing oneself through the lens of others.
What was Du Bois’s educational background?
He studied at Fisk University and Harvard University, where he became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. He also pursued further studies at the University of Berlin.
What was his stance on civil rights?
Du Bois believed in political action and civil rights agitation. He disagreed with Booker T. Washington’s “Atlanta Compromise,” which advocated for vocational training for Blacks over civil and political rights.
How did he contribute to the field of sociology?
Du Bois conducted sociological studies on African American communities, notably his work, “The Philadelphia Negro,” which was the first case study of a Black community in the United States.
What was the Niagara Movement?
Founded by Du Bois and other Black intellectuals in 1905, the Niagara Movement opposed Booker T. Washington’s approach and advocated for political representation, civil rights, and higher education for African Americans.
How was Du Bois involved with the NAACP?
Du Bois was a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 and served as the editor of its magazine, “The Crisis,” for many years.
Did he have international influence?
Yes. Du Bois was a proponent of Pan-Africanism and organized several Pan-African Congresses to advocate for the independence of African colonies.
What was his later life like?
In his later years, Du Bois became disenchanted with the U.S. due to its racial discrimination and McCarthyism. He joined the Communist Party and eventually became a citizen of Ghana, where he passed away in 1963.
How did he pass away?
W.E.B. Du Bois died on August 27, 1963, in Accra, Ghana.
What is Du Bois’s legacy?
He is remembered as a towering figure in American intellectual history, a relentless advocate for civil rights, and a pioneer in the fields of sociology and African American studies.
How did he impact the Harlem Renaissance?
Through his editorship of “The Crisis,” Du Bois promoted the work of many African American writers and artists, playing a significant role in the Harlem Renaissance.
Did he receive any awards or honors?
Over his lifetime, Du Bois received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to academia, literature, and the civil rights movement. Posthumously, his influence has been recognized through dedications, university chairs, and other memorials.
