Comparing The Views Of W. E. Du Bois And Booker T. Washington

Throughout history in general African Americans, have faced many challenges that, affected their day to day living. Getting a bit more specific the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century was a very important part of African Americans, as it was during the time slavery was abolished and the beginning of the civil war. From such an era rose many leaders within the African American community. Perfect examples of such leaders would be W.E.B Du Bois and Booker T. Washington. Two African Americans who grew up in different times, with two very separate views on how African Americans should live and what should be fighting for. Forming very different, yet somewhat similar views on education and equality. Education was an
Their perspectives, ideas and visions for the future of African Americans allowed them to become very powerful and influential individuals within all communities. Washington is a very contradicting person, when it comes to the matter of education. Washington began attending Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute school in Hampton, in Virginia, which he got to using very little money donated to him by his brother and several older colored people. Washington made it to the school with nothing left, hungry, exhausted and slept on the sidewalk for the night (p. 27). However, after taking and passing a test of cleaning skills he got into the and, was given a job as a janitor, which allowed him to pay for his board. As for Washington he came to be an educator. Given his own experience, he believed that African Americans to go to vocational school. In conclusion, making him
Du Bois, discusses a question many choose not to ask, “How does it feel to be a problem?” Being a “Negro” in the 20th century, Du Bois comes to the realization that because of the way he is, he held a low position within society. The concept that “black was bad” and that only a few good ones was what defined African Americans in America. Making it the main reason why he wants African Americans to fight for their rights, and right place in society. As a final point Du Bois phrases the question, “Your Country? How came it yours? Before the Pilgrims landed, we were here. Here we have brought three gifts..a gift of story and song-soft, stirring melody..gift of sweat and brawn to beat back the wilderness.” Du Bois brings these up points to prove that blacks are made up of many factors; factors that give them hope and a look into the future. Both Du Bois and all African Americans hope that America will one day rid the veil and bring freedom and peace. Besides, “Would America have been America without her Negro