W.E.B. Booker T. Washington (W.E.B.) and DuBois (1920-2010) were both leaders who had high hopes to help African American communities. Washington believed in education and learning new skills/trades. He also believed in patience. So, keep waiting for the times to change. Just learn the trades that are necessary to survive. Dubois was not able to accept that black Americans will remain second-class citizens. Instead, Washington believed in self-help and racism. Dubois believed African Americans should do more than accept second-class citizenship. Dubois encouraged African Americans to pursue college educations that would provide them with a broad knowledge base and allow them to make their own choices. Not just to learn a trade, but also to think critically and become passionate citizens.
Booker T. Washington was an African slave who died in 1923 as one of the most influential African American intellectuals. He was one of only a few African Americans to graduate from school after being freed following the Civil War. Washington stated that equality would be achieved if African Americans were seen as productive members in society. African Americans must give up their short-term dreams of political and social equality. Washington spoke out in support of African Americans at the school he founded. His belief was that African Americans would contribute their skills to society to make them more acceptable to white Americans. By being responsible and reliable citizens of America, blacks could eventually participate fully in society. Washington’s political philosophy has a large part to do with Washington’s childhood as a slave. He also remembers the struggle to be successful. Washington stated in “Atlanta Compromise,” that African Americans should not be denied economic opportunity, social mobility, or justice in the court system if they want to be free from disenfranchisement. This is a natural conclusion from his childhood experiences. Washington’s beliefs were not shared by all. DuBois publicly criticized Booker T. Washington’s ‘Atlanta Compromise’, which claimed that blacks had more value than social benefits such as higher education and political office. DuBois was born 1868 in a free-living black family. He didn’t experience racism until his move to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Fisk University. He criticised Washington for not granting equal rights to African Americans under the 14th Amendment. Dubois believed in common interests of all Africans and that they should unite to fight for their freedom.
Both men were raised differently, and that is why I believe they held such divergent views. Washington was raised in the south and encouraged blacks not to be discriminated against and instead focus on their personal success through hard work. DuBois was keen for all Americans to stand up for equal rights and freedoms. Washington believed economic independence was the key to true equality for blacks. They should also be able to show that they are productive members of society. DuBois maintained the importance of education and civil liberties as the only means to equality. Concessions to their pursuit would only strengthen the perception that blacks are second-class citizens.
