The Struggle for Rights by W.E.B. DuBois

Feb 21, 2020

As I am reading both Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois, I came across this comment from Mr. DuBois regarding the pursuit of constitutional rights. Please note the balance between his support and criticism of Washington’s “Atlanta Exposition Address”:

“So far as Mr. Washington preaches Thrift, Patience, and Industrial Training for the masses, we must hold up his hands and strive with him, rejoicing in his honors and glorying in the strength of this Joshua called of God and of man to lead the headless host. But so far as Mr. Washington apologizes for injustice, North or South, does not rightly value the privilege and duty of voting, belittles the
emasculating effects of caste distinctions, and opposes the higher training and ambition of our brighter minds, — so far as he, the South, or the Nation, does this, –we must unceasingly and firmly oppose them. By every civilized and peaceful method we must strive for the rights which the world accords to men, clinging unwaveringly to those great words which the sons of the Fathers would fain forget:’We hold these truths to be self evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Amen, Dr. DuBois. Amen.