Two African-American Philosophers

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Booker T. Washington, living in the South that still had not come to term with race equality, realized that he needed the support of the white majority to provide education and support for black causes. The author points out that, on the other hand, W. E. B. du Bois, living in the liberal North, wanted to see an America with social equality where individuals would be rewarded according to their merits not their color. The paper states that, in recent terminology, Washington's philosophy can be said to advocate apartheid; whereas, du Bois was the predecessor of the philosophy of Martin Luther King.

From the Paper:

"When Washington complained of inequality he presented its effect not upon the black Americans but upon whites. If white southerners saw no reason for higher education for black Americans, Washington agreed. If southerners opposed voting for blacks, Washington went along and opposed it 'for present'. His views would certainly be
considered 'pathetic' by today's black Americans. Even in his own time, black activist Henry Turner declared "will have to live a long time to undo the harm he has done our race.""

Sample of Sources Used:

• Asch, K., Still No Shades of Gray, Insight on the News. Volume: 15. Issue: 12. March 29, 1999.
• Bauerlein, M, Washington, Du Bois, and the Black Future, The Wilson Quarterly. Volume: 28. Issue: 4, Autumn 2004.
• Moseley-Braun, C., Between W.E.B. Du Bois and B.T. Washington, Ebony, Volume: 51. Issue: 1. November 1995. Page Number: 58+
• Rudwick, E. M., W. E. B. Du Bois a Study in Minority Group Leadership, University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia. 1960.

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