WEB DuBois
WEB Du Bois, also known as William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, was an African American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and writer. Born on February 23, 1868, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Du Bois became one of the most influential intellectuals and leaders of the African American community in the early 20th century.
Du Bois attended Harvard University, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in 1890 and later his PhD in history in 1895, becoming the first African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard. He conducted extensive research on the African American experience in the United States, particularly focusing on racial issues and systemic inequality.
One of Du Bois's most significant works was "The Souls of Black Folk," published in 1903, in which he explored the double consciousness experienced by African Americans, as well as the challenges and discrimination they faced. He argued for social and political equality, education, and economic opportunities for African Americans.
Du Bois co-founded the Niagara Movement in 1905, which advocated for civil rights and racial equality. He later became one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909, serving as its director of publications and editor of its magazine, The Crisis.
Throughout his life, Du Bois fought for equal rights, challenging white supremacy and advocating for racial justice. He became increasingly critical of segregation and racism in the United States, and his views evolved towards socialism and Pan-Africanism. In 1961, at the age of 93, Du Bois joined the Communist Party USA.
Du Bois passed away on August 27, 1963, in Accra, Ghana. He left a lasting legacy as a prolific writer, scholar, and civil rights leader, whose ideas and activism continue to inspire generations fighting for racial equality and social justice.