Childhood
Dubois was born on February 23, 1868 in Great Barrington, MA. His parents were Alfred and Silvina Dubois. He was mixed. His father left when he was only two years old. His mother was a domestic worker. His father was a barber. His mother died when he was 16. After she died, he started working at a local mill as a timekeeper to help his family. He became the first black to graduate his high school that year.
Becoming Famous
W.E.B. Dubois was the first African American to earn a PHD from Harvard University. He cofounded NAACP in 1909. I believe he first starting to become famous when he publicly opposed Booker T. Washington’s “Atlanta Compromise.” He accused Washington of not fighting for equal rights for blacks as stated in the 14th amendment. This is what started his activist career.
Impact on Ohhers
W.E.B. DuBois impacted people by fighting for equal rights for black people through writing, speaking, and peaceful protest. Through his works, he inspires and encourages black people to appreciate what they have already done. Yet, he also encourages blacks to fight for rights they have been denied. He founded the Niagara Movement which later became the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He joined the Communist Party in 1961. Yes, I believe Dubois was a hero because even though he was raised in the North and never really experienced racism, he still fought for equal rights for blacks.
Decisions and Lessons
W.E.B. Dubois did not make any major mistakes or bad decisions. I learned that despite obstacles and racial barriers, I should still fight for what I want. In order to see change in the world, I have to fight not physically but through actions and words.
Quotes
‘The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line.“ This quotes to me means that racism is the problem of the 20th century.
‘A true and worthy ideal frees and uplifts a people; a false ideal imprisons and lowers.“ This quote means that a true leader doesn’t belittle their people they uplift them and push them to keep fighting.
The Negro
In this book, Dubois discusses the slave trade and African American history in depth. I connected with the book because it helps me learn about my ancestry. I would recommend this book to someone that isn’t familiar with their past life or ancestors.
Dark water: Voices From Within The Veil
This book included a series of things. In one chapter, he discussed his life. In other chapters, he included essays, poems, and spirituals. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about W.E.B. Dubois. I also might recommend it to someone that like to explore nonfiction work. I did not relate to this book.
These books are alike in the ways that Dubois wrote in each book a different story to help blacks.In one book, he told his story that might encourage another person to aspire change. In The Negro, he talked about the history and struggle of blacks. In both books, one could be inspired to help their community of blacks.
Themes
In the Soul Of Black Folk, Dubois’ theme was double consciousness. This means that some people were trying to live with two different identities. These two identities were the “Negro” and the “American.” The Negro identity suggests that their were a lot of obstacles. The American identity forced people to move and settle down. He discussed how he struggle balancing both because he could never identify himself as one or the other, but simply find a way to balance them.
Sources
- “W.E.B. Dubois.” The MY HERO Project, myhero.com/web_dubois.
- “Anirudh.” Learnodo Newtonic, 12 Sept. 2018, learnodo-newtonic.com/web-dubois- accomplishments.
- “WEB DuBois’s Influence on Literature and People.” Essay on Should Selling Junk Food in School Canteens Be Banned? — Healt, www.123helpme.com/web-duboiss-influence-on- literature-and-people-view.asp?id=160637.
- “W.E.B. Du Bois.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 28 Jan. 2019, www.biography.com/people/web-du-bois-9279924. https://learnodo-newtonic.com/web-dubois-accomplishments
