Early Life And Education

WEB Du Bois: A Life in the Struggle

Early Life and Education

WEB Du Bois was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, on February 23, 1868. His parents, Alfred and Mary Silvina Burghardt, were free blacks who had been enslaved in South Carolina before the Civil War. Du Bois was a bright and ambitious student, and he excelled in school. He graduated from Fisk University in 1888 and Harvard University in 1895. He then went on to study sociology at the University of Berlin and the University of Heidelberg.

Activism and the Niagara Movement

Du Bois was a staunch advocate for the civil rights of African Americans. In 1905, he co-founded the Niagara Movement, an organization that fought for the full equality of blacks. Du Bois also served as the editor of the NAACP's magazine, The Crisis, from 1910 to 1934.

Pan-Africanism and the Talented Tenth

Du Bois was also a strong advocate for Pan-Africanism, the idea that all people of African descent should be united in their struggle against racism and colonialism. He helped to organize the Pan-African Congress, which convened in London in 1900. Du Bois also believed that the "Talented Tenth" of African Americans should be educated and trained to lead the fight for civil rights.

Later Years and Legacy

Du Bois continued to work for civil rights throughout his life. He wrote extensively on the subject of race and racism, and he served on the NAACP's board of directors for many years. Du Bois died in Ghana in 1963, at the age of 95.

WEB Du Bois was a brilliant scholar, a tireless activist, and a visionary leader. He dedicated his life to the fight for civil rights and equality, and his work continues to inspire generations of activists to this day.