Booker T. Washington Vs W. E. B Dubois Analysis

Obtaining an education was one of the many goals emancipated slaves were eager to gain as the Reconstruction era came to an end. Most white people in the South considered the education of a black person to be pointless. During the late 19th and early 20th century, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois came to be known as two of the great leaders in civil rights movement and more importantly in the education of the black community. Although Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois have the common goal of improving the education of African Americans, both of these great leaders have different philosophies in the education of the black community. Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois come from different backgrounds and have apposing views as to what type of education blacks should receive. They also have a different approach to obtain education and different ideologies of how blacks will gain equality. These differences turn them into great rivals. Washington was born a slave in Virginia. After the freedom of slaves Washington and his family moved to West Virginia with his stepfather where he had to work at the same furnace his stepfather worked
“The Talented Tenth” as he called, made a reference that in order to achieve change you have to start with The Talented Tenth who were a small group of educated blacks. DuBois believed that by having leaders going to universities and becoming educated in Liberal Arts, the black race would also be lifted. He also believed that by having the “best and most capable” blacks going to college, their knowledge will be passed on to the next generation. DuBois believes that just like the white race, the black race should have their own system of education. The small group of educated blacks will set an example of leadership which will also lead to uplifting others. DuBois also believed that education is what will make great men in contrast to Washington’s