In 'The Souls of Black Folk', W. E. B. Du Bois offers a profound exploration of the African American experience at the turn of the 20th century. Through a blend of personal narrative, historical analysis, and poignant essays, he unveils the duality of identity faced by black Americans. Du Bois introduces the idea of 'double consciousness', capturing the struggle between being African and American simultaneously. His eloquent prose not only challenges societal norms but also calls for civil rights and social justice. A timeless classic, this work compels readers to confront the ongoing implications of race and inequality in contemporary society.
By W. E. B. Du Bois
Published: 1994
"The problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line."
This landmark book is a founding work in the literature of black protest. W. E. B. Du Bois (1868–1963) played a key role in developing the strategy and program that dominated early 20th-century black protest in America. In this collection of essays, first published together in 1903, he eloquently affirms that it is beneath the dignity of a human being to beg for those rights that belong inherently to all mankind. He also charges that the strategy of accommodation to white supremacy advanced by Booker T. Washington, then the most influential black leader in America, would only serve to perpetuate black oppression. Publication of The Souls of Black Folk was a dramatic event that helped to polarize black leaders into two groups: the more conservative followers of Washington and the more radical supporters of aggressive protest. Its influence cannot be overstated. It is essential reading for everyone interested in African-American history and the struggle for civil rights in America.
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“The problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line.”
The Souls of Black Folk
By W. E. B. Du Bois
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
W. E. B. Du Bois (1868-1963) was a prominent American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and author, best known for his influential works on race and social justice. Du Bois was a co-founder of the NAACP and the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. His seminal works include "The Souls of Black Folk," where he introduced the concept of 'double consciousness', and "Black Reconstruction in America," which examined African American contributions to the Reconstruction era. Du Bois's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, deep psychological insight, and rigorous academic analysis, making him a key figure in both literature and social thought.
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