The Story of W.E.B Du Bois
By: Jesus Rodriguez
Du Bois was a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People(NAACP). This organization's purpose was to abolish segregation and discrimination, oppose racism, and help gain civil rights for African Americans. He wanted immediate change in favor of civil rights. He was also a leader in the Niagara Movement, which was a group of African-American activists who wanted equal rights for blacks. Du Bois was also an author and editor. He wrote a collection of essays known as "The Souls of Black Folk." Also, his 1935 magnum opus "Black Reconstruction in America" opposed the idea that blacks were responsible for the failures of the Reconstruction Era. He was also the editor of the NAACP's journal "The Crisis", where he also published many influential pieces. Du Bois never got to see the enactment of many of the reforms he fought for his whole life; the United States' Civil Rights Act was enacted a year after his death. He may not have gotten to see the enactment of this legislation in his lifetime, but he fought his whole life and contributed a huge part to the enacting of this act. This gave the future generations a much better chance to a fair life and a better future thanks to him.
W.E.B Du Bois at a young age
Du Bois at an older age
The collection of essays known as "The Souls Of Black Folk"
W.E.B Du Bois' Bio
He was born on February 23,1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.He went to Fisk University, Harvard University and the University of Berlin. He was always an excellent student and always worked hard as well. His major fields were civil rights, sociology and history. He worked as a professor and as an activist his whole life. He received the Spingarn Medal in 1920 and was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in 1959. He died on August 27, 1963 at the age of 95; he died in Accra, Ghana.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia and New York City