We the People W.E.B. Du Bois and His Impact on America
Jul 24, 2025
David Levering Lewis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and authority on W.E.B. Du Bois, discusses the profound influence of Du Bois on American history. He delves into Du Bois's evolving views on race, leadership, and socialism while detailing his role in establishing the NAACP. Lewis also highlights Du Bois's critical writings, such as 'Black Reconstruction in America,' and examines his critiques of capitalism. The conversation emphasizes Du Bois's enduring legacy in social justice, encouraging a deeper engagement with his work and its relevance today.
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Du Bois's Remarkable Life Journey
- W.E.B. Du Bois's life spanned from New England roots to his final years in Ghana in self-imposed exile.
- His extensive education culminated in the first Harvard PhD in history awarded to an African American in 1896.
The Talented Tenth Concept
- Du Bois's 1899 study "The Philadelphia Negro" categorized African Americans by class, introducing terms like the "aristocracy" and "submerged tenth."
- The concept of the talented tenth championed leadership among the educated elite to uplift the race but later faced criticism for elitism.
Black Reconstruction's Historical Impact
- Du Bois's "Black Reconstruction in America" rewrote history by centering African Americans' active citizenship despite extreme hostility.
- His work challenged the prevailing Dunning School and reshaped understanding of Reconstruction's racial dynamics.
